8 Ways Pets Improve Senior Living

Whether you have a goldfish, cat, or pooch named smooch, the animal-human bond goes well beyond its immediate benefits.

In recent years scientists have only have begun to seriously explore the mental, emotional, and physical benefits pets bring to our daily lives.

Of course, when we think of puppies and kittens we often think of holiday or birthday presents for our little ones.

However, today we highlight 8 incredible ways pets help seniors live a healthier and happier life.

Exercise

Indeed, dogs are famous for turning a humdrum walk around the block into a colourful experience. Walking also keeps joints limber, which also helps alleviate pain from any one suffering from arthritis. As a bonus, walks also burn calories — the next thing you know it your waistline will shrink to it was when you were in your twenties.

Lower blood pressure

Animal therapy is not only used in hospitals, but in nursing home settings as well; helping lower senior blood pressure. When you own a cat or dog, you’ll have access to your very own therapist 365 days a year.

Find a new best friend

Never come home to an empty house again. With a pet by your side you’ll always have someone to talk to and second mouth to feed under the dinner table.

Meet new people

Pets have the power to bring out an instant positive reaction from complete strangers. Have you seen two pet owners talk about their animals in public? It’s a sight to see. There’s just that universal kinship between animal lovers, while also making complete strangers feel comfortable. Many long-term friendships have been made with a common interest in animals.

Laughter

There’s just something about our fuzzy creatures that make us laugh and tug on our heartstrings. Whether it’s witnessing our curious kitty chasing a ball of string into a paper bag; or a pooch singing along with opera music; our pets make us laugh, which is good for the soul.

Boost self-esteem

When it comes down to it, you are the most important thing to your pet’s life — they simply will not survive without you. It comes to you for food, affection, and attention. You are the most important person in the world to your pet, and that in itself adds enormous value to any one with low self-esteem.

Save a life

36 per cent of all pets in Canadian animal shelters are euthanized. When you adopt a pet from the pound or animal shelter, you’ll help save a life. It also gives you the opportunity to share your story with your friends, and help inspire others to do the same.

Lowers visits to the doctor

According to the Pet Partners Program and their case studies, seniors with pets were less likely to visit their doctor than seniors without pets, that’s impressive.

Summary

The human need for touch plays an important role in behavioural patterns. Pets are not only immediate mood boosters, they cuddle, they kiss, and validate us; becoming our best friend — humankind’s best friend. Even the hardest criminals in jail experienced long-term change in behaviour after interacting with pets. If you’re looking for a pet-loving retirement community, check out The Uptown for more information.