Senior Connections - September/October 2020 | Page 6

Senior Connections Sept / Oct 2020

Pets and seniors are good for each other

KENDALL VANBLARCOM
Licensed Family Therapist
Courtesy Senior News
Many people own pets , but no population needs one more than senior citizens . Owning a pet has many benefits that can help seniors feel better about their life , and improve their health . If you ’ re considering a pet , read about all of the advantages of one here .
The perks pets provide
Pets are friends . They are loyal , and can gauge how you feel and what you are thinking . They know when you ’ re sad , happy , and will try to make you feel better . While this may sound like invented benefits from a dog lover , there ’ s scientific evidence behind it .
The American Heart Association has studied the effects of dogs , and have found that it can lower the risk of heart disease , and can even lead to greater longevity .
Some other studies identified by HelpGuide . org finds that dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression . Lower blood pressure , and higher levels of serotonin and dopamine are all associated with owning a dog . It ’ s even been found that people who own pets over the age of 65 visit the doctor fewer times .
Why senior citizens should own a pet
Researchers at the University of California – Davis have found that Alzheimer ’ s patients experience less stress and anxiety when they have a dog or cat . It ’ s
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Pets bring many benefits to our lives . They provide unconditional love , reduce loneliness , lower blood pressure , and raise levels of serotonin and dopamine . They may even reduce doctor bills as it ’ s been found those over the age of 65 , who own a pet , visit the doctor less .
FILE PHOTO the ability to touch the pet and the nonverbal communication that helps them stay calm .
Caregivers also find that clients who own pets are much easier to work with due to two reasons : the pet provides stress relief to the caregiver , and the client or
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family member is much calmer , so it makes it easier to work with him or her .
Why pets help seniors
The reasoning behind the therapeutic benefits of owning a dog is that humans need to touch . When they pet or hug a dog , it affects their body and mind . It calms and relaxes people , and that is what sparks the lower blood pressure and cholesterol .
It also boosts serotonin and dopamine levels ( related to your mood ), which helps you feel happier .
What some people don ’ t consider is that a pet such as a dog needs exercise . This can help a lot of seniors get out of the house , which increases their physical activity . This , in turn , helps fight many medical conditions .
Companionship is another consideration . When you don ’ t have anyone around you ,
it ’ s more likely you ’ ll feel lonely . With a pet , you ’ ll have that animal right by your side keeping you company .
Dogs provide the most benefits , but cats are good too . The only disadvantage to owning a cat is that you don ’ t get the exercise , as you do with a dog . However , seniors who have limited mobility may find that a cat is perfect for them .
If dogs and cats aren ’ t your style of pet ownership , birds , hamsters , and other small pets can be beneficial as well . It ’ s the act of holding and petting animals that will help you feel better mentally and physically .
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Senior Connections Sept / Oct 2020

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