Healthy Aging Series Part III: SOUL
An Elder’s Best Friend
From making us laugh to simply keeping us company, pets are seen as best friends by many. Anyone can benefit from owning a pet, especially seniors. There are numerous ways that animals can help elders thrive throughout the aging process.
According to the Humane Society of the United States there are two types of service animals: assistance pets and therapy pets. Animals that fall into the category of assistance pets include guide dogs for the visually impaired, hearing dogs for the hearing impaired and service dogs for the disabled. Therapy pets are a completely different type of service animal. They are frequently used in health care, social, recreational and educational settings.
From nursing homes to residential facilities, therapy pets are used to promote healthy interaction in older adults. There are several ways in which this type of animal can provide therapeutic help. The HSUS states that these pets visit patients, who are propelled to pet, interact and play with them. Experts say that as a result of this method of therapy, the physical and emotional state of patients usually improves.
Aside from therapy pets, simply owning an animal can greatly benefit elders. They need constant attention, which means walking, feeding, grooming, providing fresh water, changing litter, and the list goes on. According to Healthypet.com, any activity can better the cardiovascular system and help keep joints limber and flexible. Healthypet.com also sites a 1993 Harvard Health Letter that describes how companion animals have more consistent behavior than human companions which results in lower blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety levels.
If you are thinking about adopting a pet, one thing to consider is age. The HSUS recommends that seniors adopt adult animals because they are more laidback and predictable. It is also likely that they are already housetrained. However, if you are energetic and looking for a challenge a puppy or kitten may be the right choice for you.
Another thing to consider before adopting a pet is your financial situation. Make sure to figure in the costs of food, toys and vet visits into your budget, as these expenses can add up quickly.
Remember, pets require a great deal of care and attention. They can benefit from having a happy, healthy home just as seniors can benefit from having them around. It’s truly a win-win situation. For more information on the benefits of pet therapy, owning a pet or where to adopt, visit www.hsus.org or contact your local animal shelter.
