3 minute read
Reasons Why Older People Need Pets
Do we ever outgrow our need for pets?
Have you ever heard someone say that they love pets but that they’re too old to get one; pets are for younger people? Is that true? Are pets beneficial for older people? If so, what are the benefits?
INCREASED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY For adults age 60 and over, walking is one of the best exercises because they can participate at their own pace and level of activity. Walking a dog requires a schedule and a commitment to regular exercise. However, even playing cat-and-mouse with a cat is movement. Studies have shown that sitting for long periods of time is unhealthy and caring for pets encourages us to get up and move. Pets help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
REDUCED LONELINESS When pet owners were asked what they felt was the most important benefit of having a pet the number one answer was companionship. Loneliness and a sense of isolation are serious problems many people experience as they age. For some it leads to depression and health issues. Pets offer affection, companionship and unconditional love basically 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; they’re always available to us. For older adults especially the “solo agers”, the presence of a living, breathing companion changes life from solo to shared!
INCREASED SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES Another challenge older people face is fewer opportunities for socializing. Their circle of friends sometimes shrinks, many friends develop health issues, relocate to live with family or move into retirement communities, and sadly some pass away. It can be difficult to make new friends but pets can help bridge the gap. Walking a dog is a great way to meet other dog lovers. Even walking a cat in a cat stroller is a great conversation starter. Sometimes a shared love for pets can be an opener for sharing other pet-related activities such as attending pet events together or working on projects to help pets or animals. Pets help us stay involved in life.
ENHANCED SENSE OF WELL BEING There are other important benefits that are harder to measure. Pets give us a sense of purpose and help us engage more fully in life. We need our pets AND they need us. The desire to be useful and to make a contribution continues throughout our lives. Being responsible for another living creature adds to our personal sense of value. It represents time and emotional investment in enjoying life. Older people who take care of pets tend to focus less on themselves, their chronic illnesses and daily problems. Pets live in the moment and encourage their caregivers to join them in their “in-the-moment” enjoyment of life.
There are a few very important factors to consider before getting a pet. Some common reasons people give for not having a pet are lack of time or an ideal home situation, or the difficulty of caring for a pet while traveling. Older people usually have the time and traveling with pets is becoming easier and popular with more travel options available. The ideal home situation is a big consideration. What are your future housing plans? If your future housing plans include an apartment or a retirement community, you need to select your pet carefully. Though more communities allow pets the type and size of the pet are important. Older people worry about their future physical capability of caring for a pet. Adopting an older pet, fostering a pet, or getting a cat are possible solutions. Older pets are usually calmer and are less physically demanding. They also bond quickly and form a deep connection with their new person. They seem to sense how fortunate they are; often it becomes a ‘who saved who’ relationship. Cats make great companions for older people. They require less active playtimes and are satisfied with 20 to 30 minutes of interactive fun. Cats love to nap and are usually content to nap close to the person or on their lap. I suggest getting a cat stroller to get the full benefits of a physically active lifestyle.
