Owning A Pet: Therapy For Seniors

When it comes to pet therapy, the elderly can particularly enjoy the benefits. Although pet therapy can be helpful for any number of individuals, adults who are at retirement age thoroughly enjoy it and thrive as a result. So helpful is pet therapy that numerous personal care homes, independent/assisted living communities, and more invite and/or initiate pet programs on a regular basis.

For retirement age adults who still live on their own, having a pet – though a definite responsibility – can be highly beneficial. As long as the adult in question can care not only for themselves but for the pet, too, all should go smoothly.

Studies On Pet Therapy/Ownership

For the well-being of retirement age adults, pets and pet therapy can work wonders. This has been confirmed by numerous scientific studies through recent years. Aside from studies, care providers and caregivers have reported, during their care for an aging individual, that improvement and/or progress was shown following pet therapy. To keep an older adult’s spirit, mind, and body healthy, a key role can be played by furry friends. A retirement age individual has a better chance of staying emotionally and physically healthy when they care for a pet.

Emotional and Physical Benefits from Pets

A wide range of benefits can be enjoyed through pet experiences. In a number of ways, they help adults stay physically healthy as well as provide companionship and emotional benefits. Scientists have observed key health benefits provided by pet ownership are as follows:

• Feelings of depression, loneliness, and anxiety can be reduced by owning a pet. This can help your loved one live an emotionally fulfilling, richer life.
• For some older individuals, pets have literally changed their behavior. Retirement community residents, during several studies, became less aggressive, more relaxed, and more alert when pets were close by.
• Improved cardiovascular health and pet ownership show a distinctive link. Lower triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood pressure were noted in pet owners during a study of over 5500 men and women.
• Compared to the elders without dogs, those who had them were far more active, according to yet another study. In fact, on average, they took approximately 22 minutes out of their day, each day, to walk. Walking is one of the healthiest exercises a retirement age adult can get.

Pet Ownership – Is It for Everyone?

Granted, not everyone is capable of owning and/or caring for a pet on a full-time basis. Naturally, if your loved one has trouble caring for themselves, a pet is out of the question. Before suggesting your loved one get a pet, you may want to think about the following:

• Considering your loved one and their personality/lifestyle, will a pet with the right temperament be easily located?
• For your particular loved one and their situation, what kind of animal would be a good fit?
• Four-legged companions require financial support. Is your loved one capable of providing this?
• For pet ownership to go well, experience with animals is suggested. Does your loved one have any experience?
• Once again, as far as looking after their new pet, feeding them, taking them outside if necessary, and more, will your loved one be able to accomplish these tasks independently and regularly?

If your loved one isn't the best candidate for pet ownership, you and/or they may want to consider an environment in which they can socialize, receive care when needed, have free transportation provided, and much more.

Conservatory At Plano is such a place. Ask about our incredible amenities.

Schedule a tour today to see, in person, what we have to offer. If you prefer, you can phone us at 214-241-1244, or for sales and leasing inquiries call 214-624-6086. We look forward to talking to you or seeing you soon.