health.“ We walk twice a day since adopting Huey and Suki,” says Mary, 72.“ My blood pressure is much lower, and I’ ve lost over 20 pounds.”
Many nursing homes and assisted living facilities have taken these studies to heart as well. Some local assisted living facilities, like Homewood, allow residents in approved buildings to own pets. Homewood resident Ann Ford lives with her Bichon Frisé, Muffin.“ I can’ t say enough about the benefits of living with and caring for a pet. It takes one out of one’ s self and is great for socialization.” Ann often takes Muffin, a registered therapy dog, into Homewood’ s nursing home to visit residents.“ Residents’ eyes light up when Muffin visits!”
The Humane Society of Washington County offers numerous programs for seniors who are interested in adopting a pet. These include Silver Lining for Seniors, which provides financial assistance for qualifying candidates; public assistance programs to help owners retain their pet during economic downturns; a pet food bank; and counselors who match seniors with the right pet based on their specific desires, health and lifestyle.“ Many seniors adopt older pets as they fit right in with the senior’ s lifestyle,” Katherine says. This benefits not only the adopting senior, but the pet as well, since older pets are less likely to be adopted. The Humane Society also offers the Senior to Senior program to encourage older pet adoption, offering discounts when the pet is over 5 years old and the individual adopting is over age 65.
So to experience increased wellbeing in your golden years, eat nutritiously, exercise and consider adding Fido or Fluffy into your life. In addition to the health advantages, adopting a pet can provide one of life’ s greatest sources of unconditional love and unparalleled joy! §
Humane Society of Washington County
Learn more about Silver Lining for Seniors, the Senior to Senior pet adoption program and other programs and benefits available to seniors interested in adopting a pet. 13011 Maugansville Road, Hagerstown 301-733-2060 • www. hswcmd. org
Hagerstown: The Best of Life in Washington County & Beyond March / April 2013 111