We have all, at one point in our lives, walked past a pet store, begged, and pleaded with our parents to get that adorable puppy by the window. Many—though not enough—walk into the shelter with a mission of providing a home and a family to one of its furry residents. Pets provide relief to everyone— children, adults, and especially the elderly.
Puppies, kittens, rabbits, fish, or even reptiles—we all have dream pets. Who would not love coming home to a wagging tail and a slobbery kiss after a long day at work? Would it not be nice to cuddle up with a cat while enjoying time at home? As the saying goes, no home is complete without the pitter-patter of dog feet, and every pet owner knows this.
Yes, pets are a big responsibility—there is no doubt about that—but they can certainly brighten up one’s life. No one needs this type of positivity, love, and care that animals can bring more than the elderly.
As we celebrate and take part in International Animal Rights Day on December 10, let us all take a look at how animals can help improve the lives of the elderly.
Benefits of Having Pets
They Provide Companionship
Elderly individuals are easily at risk of loneliness and social isolation. These are genuine health concerns that pose a substantial health threat to a person’s wellbeing. Because of their life’s setup, living arrangements, or disability, elder adults can easily succumb to these two health risks.
This is why having a pet around can be beneficial in fighting these problems. Particularly for the elderly living alone, pet ownership can reduce the risk of loneliness and social isolation. In fact, a study conducted by Psychiatrists at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that 36% of care patients over 60 are less likely to report loneliness than non-pet owners.
They Encourage an Active and Engaged Lifestyle
Pets require constant activity, so what better way to encourage an elderly individual to exercise? People, young and old, benefit from physical activity. Regular exercise routines, such as walking, could keep health conditions and illnesses at bay for both the pet and pet owner.
Pets can also help older adults become more socially engaged. Elderly individuals can be more involved in social activities. They can have more opportunities for human interaction and stay connected to life and their surroundings. After all, regular visits to the vet and groomers require a person to get out of the house.
Pets Offer Protection
We know that some pets, especially dogs, are loyal to a fault. They can sense danger, and they protect their masters at all costs. Barking dogs can ward off potential thieves, which will be extremely helpful for vulnerable elderly individuals.
Pets can Help the Elderly Rediscover a Sense of Purpose
The elderly are in great danger of feeling forgotten. Often, as adult children and grandchildren set out to establish themselves and build a life, elderly individuals often feel like they no longer have a place in their family’s lives. This is quite similar to the empty nest syndrome. They feel like they are no longer needed.
Having a pet can substantially change that. Pets are essentially babies; they rely greatly on their owners. Here is a small individual who relies on you and adores you. It evokes a sense of fulfillment that can save elderly individuals from depression and loneliness.
Elderly in Long Term Care
Pet therapy in long term facilities and nursing homes are becoming popular. Because of its benefits, these care facilities are adopting and incorporating animals into their care programs. There are ongoing programs that match elderly individuals with senior pets. This way, older animals in shelters that tend to be overlooked by other people get to find homes.
For current pet owners moving to these facilities, some have even allowed their residents to take their pets with them as companions. Other residents adopt pets from shelters. In a separate article, we highlighted the different dog breeds that would make great companions for the elderly. Each one comes in different sizes and has diverse personalities. However, they could all work well with the needs of older generations.
Help Us Spread the Word
Elderly individuals have been subjected to unfortunate instances because of their vulnerability. Depression has become so rampant among their ranks, and we must take the necessary steps to protect them from it. These are our grandparents, aunts and uncles, and parents. We must help keep them from sliding into irrelevance, no matter how busy our schedules might seem.
Additionally, we should take measures to keep these furry creatures safe from harm. In line with the International Animal Rights Day, we must encourage others to treat them with respect and dignity. As the Universal Declaration of Animal Rights dictates, human beings, equipped with the ability to distinguish right from wrong, must act ethically toward other sentient beings. Young and old, we can all do our part in protecting these beings.