Physical, Emotional and Social Benefits of Pets for Older Adults

Nowadays pet is a popular among people in society. There are pet general such as dogs, cats, fish, turtles, birds, etc. and strange pets that some people are feed, such as snake, hawks, lizards, etc. Pet is not only suitable for teenagers or adults, but pet is also suitable for the older adults too. If you have been considering a pet, then take a look at the great benefits of pet ownership that can help any senior enjoy a better quality of life well into their golden years. I have three points on which I will speak. There are first, security and comfortable. Second, increase social relationship. Third, take care of physical and mental health.

My first point is security and comfortable. Pet can provide security in the sense of not feeling alone when elderly people live alone. They will protect owner with their life and ensure owner have the security to feel comfortable living in home. Sometimes there is a thief entering the house. The pet will help protect elderly people who are not able to fight. Pet heightened sense of hearing and smell‚ they are more alert than humans and quick to indicate when someone is near. Sometimes that’s a bark‚ or running to the door‚ sometimes that’s just looking in the direction of the noise. This can be a great for elderly people individuals who may have lost their seeing or lost some of hearing or cannot walking. Pets will always be by your side.

My second point is increase social relationship. Pets improve and increase social relationship for the elderly people. Elderly people need to be involved in social activities. Having a pet, and particularly one that requires regular outdoor activity, helps you stay connected with people. Owners and pets out into the community to meet people and talking with them about pets. Having a pet is a good way to stay involved. The research supporting pet therapy for seniors abounds, says Linda Anderson CTRS, Director of Activities at Bryn Mawr Terrace tell about benefits of pet from research with seniors are:

• Increased Interaction – Walking a dog gets senior owners out of the house and increases their opportunities to socialize with neighbors.
• Encourages Conversation – A pet is often a great conversation starter and often provides common ground with others, especially with fellow pet owners.
• Stimulates Memory – Visiting with an animal can allow seniors to tap into memories of childhood pets and past experiences.
• Involvement in Activities – Studies show that pet owners are less likely to dwell on the past and pursue current activities, leading to social bonds and interaction.

My third point is taking care of physical and mental health. Pets reduce feelings of loneliness, sadness and stress, increase happiness and vitality from ever feeling lonely. Some people over the age of 60 have depression and more age the risk will increase as well, reflecting the unstable mental health of the older adult. Having a pet will help create a more pleasant home atmosphere and also stimulates the immune system and increase the energy of the elderly people as well. Pets can reduce stress and lower the risk of depression. Pets show to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol, less risk of loneliness or depression and a better chance of long-term survival following a heart attack. Erika Friedmann, PhD, and professor of Health and Nutrition Sciences for Brooklyn College in New York, studied the effect of pets on heart disease patients. Her co-researcher, Aaron Katcher, MD, reported, “The presence of a pet was the strongest social predictor of survival … not just for lonely or depressed people, but everyone – independent of marital status and access to social support from human beings.” Only a few years later, another study was performed that showed the benefits of animal ownership by elderly individuals: 95% spent time each day talking to his or her pet. 82% said that owning a pet made them feel better when they were sad. 65% said petting or caressing their pets made them feel better. 57% actually confided fears and worries to their pets. There have been studies on all of these benefits and it is clear that animals can help seniors with their health in so many ways. Pets will always be by your side.

In conclusion, pets can provide relief for many problems facing the older adults. The benefits of pets for elderly people that there are first, security and comfortable. Second, increase social relationship. And third, take care of physical and mental health. Sometime elderly feel lonely. Having a pet nearby can make the lives of elderly change. Although the time has passed until you are old and lost a friend or family, pet will help heal the mind and be a good friend for you forever. Pets will always be by your side.