Recent research has shown that owning a pet can bring incredible benefits to seniors, particularly when it comes to their mental health. While pets can provide companionship and unconditional love, they also offer surprising emotional health advantages that are not often talked about. In this article, TLC Pet Transport explores the numerous ways that pet ownership can help seniors to manage their mental well-being.
Loyal Companionship Bond
Loneliness and isolation detrimentally impact seniors’ emotional health — Mental Health America notes that a pet can provide relief. Pets provide companionship which is the constant and unconditional love we all crave. Welcome a pet to reduce senior isolation and promote better emotional health.
Enhances Wellness and Mental Health
Studies cited by Cleveland Clinic have found that seniors who own pets have improved health in several areas, including increased happiness, lower rates of depression, and a more positive outlook on life. Pets offer a sense of purpose, and they can help seniors feel needed and appreciated. They can also help to reduce feelings of sadness and loneliness, which are common in the elderly.
Alleviates Tension and Anxiety
Pets can also help seniors de-stress, which can be particularly beneficial for those who suffer from anxiety. Studies have shown that petting or interacting with an animal can release feel-good hormones such as oxytocin and reduce cortisol, a hormone that is associated with stress. This stress reduction can help to bring greater calmness and relaxation to seniors.
Decreases Arterial Pressure Levels
Pet ownership has also been linked to lower blood pressure levels. This can be particularly beneficial for seniors who may be at risk of heart disease or related conditions. Research has found that petting a dog or cat can lead to a decrease in blood pressure, which can lower the risk of developing these conditions.
Animals Promote Physical Activity
Having a pet can help seniors maintain a more active lifestyle. Walking a dog, for example, offers a low-impact form of exercise that can help to keep the body and mind healthy. Pets also encourage seniors to engage in activities such as playing fetch, which can help to maintain hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
Keep in mind that some breeds may be better suited to seniors than others. Dogs with high activity levels, for instance, may be too much for some people experiencing declining health or strength.
Enhances Focus and Involvement
Pets can help seniors feel more alert and engaged with their surroundings. They often offer an easy conversation starter, which is particularly beneficial for those who may be living alone. Seniors can exchange stories and pictures of their pets with friends and family, making them feel more connected to the world around them.
Alleviates a Sense of Isolation
Pets can also help to reduce feelings of isolation that are common in seniors. Owning a pet means having a constant companion that is always there, regardless of what is going on in the world around us. This sense of companionship and loyalty can help seniors feel more connected to others and reduce the isolation that often comes with aging.
Seniors with Pets in Care Facilities
The benefits of pets are so strong and varied that many senior living organizations have added pets to their programming and some allow residents to have their own pets. Reach out to the 23 nursing homes in Sarasota to see if they are pet-friendly and see which ones are good fits for your level of needed care.
Owning a pet can significantly benefit senior mental health. The reported improvements in well-being go beyond mere companionship, and seniors who take care of pets have experienced numerous emotional benefits. Seniors looking to enhance their mental wellness should consider getting a furry friend, as they have the potential to change their lives for the better.
which is the constant and unconditional love we all crave. Welcome a pet to reduce senior isolation and promote better emotional health.
Enhances Wellness and Mental Health
Studies cited by Cleveland Clinic have found that seniors who own pets have improved health in several areas, including increased happiness, lower rates of depression, and a more positive outlook on life. Pets offer a sense of purpose, and they can help seniors feel needed and appreciated. They can also help to reduce feelings of sadness and loneliness, which are common in the elderly.
Alleviates Tension and Anxiety
Pets can also help seniors de-stress, which can be particularly beneficial for those who suffer from anxiety. Studies have shown that petting or interacting with an animal can release feel-good hormones such as oxytocin and reduce cortisol, a hormone that is associated with stress. This stress reduction can help to bring greater calmness and relaxation to seniors.
Decreases Arterial Pressure Levels
Pet ownership has also been linked to lower blood pressure levels. This can be particularly beneficial for seniors who may be at risk of heart disease or related conditions. Research has found that petting a dog or cat can lead to a decrease in blood pressure, which can lower the risk of developing these conditions.
Animals Promote Physical Activity
Having a pet can help seniors maintain a more active lifestyle. Walking a dog, for example, offers a low-impact form of exercise that can help to keep the body and mind healthy. Pets also encourage seniors to engage in activities such as playing fetch, which can help to maintain hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
TLC Pet Transport specializes in moving “one family at a time” to provide you and your pet family the safest pet relocation service possible. Contact us today to learn more! 859-428-1677
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