Anyone who has ever owned a pet can tell you the happiness they bring, but did you know that Fido can help improve your health as well? Having a friend to greet you at the door, sleep at the foot of your bed at night, and a cute face who needs you will help eliminate the feeling of loneliness and stress. With stress being a big concern medically, causing problems as simple as a headache to as painful as an ulcer or worse, decreasing or eliminating it will lead to fewer doctor’s appointments. And running after your pet or throwing a ball or frisbee could be an increase in a senior’s daily activity level.
That increased activity plus the enhanced sense of responsibility and alertness can also lead to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and reduced cardiovasular disease. Some other benefits specifically for seniors (according to an article by the Delta Society listed here) are:
- For people aged 65-78, dogs are a major factor of conversations with passersby. Companion animals readily elicit friendly responses.
- Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
- Pet owners have fewer minor health problems, lower medical costs, better psychological well being, and higher one-year survival rates following coronary heart disease.
- Pets promote social interaction, decrease the feeling of loneliness and isolation, and increase morale and optimism.
- Pets encourage playfulness, exercise, and promote laughter.
- Pets satisfy the need for touch and to be touched, and give nonjudgmental warmth and affection.
Of course, pets are a lot of responsibility and the choice to add a family member should be well-thought out before adopting. For things to consider before adopting, please read this article on Pet Adoption from About.com. And for more information on the benefits of pet for seniors, there’s a great article from the Gilbert Guide you may want to check out.