4 Mental and Emotional Benefits of Senior Dogs

Dogs have long been seen as comfort companions for individuals, but they have especially become an invaluable support to senior adults. In fact, having a pet as a companion can boost your overall sense of happiness, provide love, and can even create a stronger sense of meaning and purpose. Here at Senior Helpers Inland Empire, we strive to help older adults live in comfort and improve their overall well-being. Continue reading to learn the 4 mental and emotional benefits of investing in senior dogs 

Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Due to various life changes, many senior adults are prone to stress and anxiety. Things like financial hardship, health problems, and social isolation are among some of the common challenges that your older loved one may face. 

While a senior may experience stress and anxiety, it's important to have healthy ways to cope and manage it. The good news is that caring for a pet is one of the best ways to do so. According to research, caring for a pet can effectively manage stress, lower heart rates, and even reduce blood pressure compared to those without pets. 

Keeps Seniors Active

Another benefit of having senior dogs is that it helps the seniors remain active, which is important for their overall health. Dogs need to get a certain level of physical activity each day. This can ultimately be motivating for senior adults and naturally helps them achieve their daily activity level needs as well as while caring for their pet.

Senior Dogs Reduce Loneliness

Social isolation is a common concern for many older adults. In fact, seniors are more likely to live alone than younger adults. A dog can be an excellent way to combat this issue, as senior dogs provide companionship, support, and love. Essentially, a pet nearby can give older adults a sense of purpose and help them fill social voids. 

Develop a Routine

After retirement, developing and maintaining a routine isn't always the easiest task. This newfound freedom can quickly reduce obligations and responsibilities. While having some free time is always good, a lack of routine and structure can have a negative impact on a person's health. For instance, individuals with no routine tend to decrease their activity level, struggle to get a good quality of sleep, and can even lead to less social interaction. 

By caring for a pet, senior adults will have an ongoing commitment that brings structure to their lives and help them develop a routine that promotes wellness and positive social interactions. Your loved one will need to feed their dog, play with them, and take them out for walks, which can also bring more meaning to the day.

Quality In-Home Care with Senior Helpers Inland Empire

Senior dogs can be an excellent way for seniors to manage stress, remain active, reduce their loneliness, and develop a better day-to-day routine. Here at Senior Helpers Inland Empire, we provide home care to older adults in Chino, Corona, Chino Hills, and San Bernardino.

Could your senior loved one benefit from more support? The support they need is made possible right in the comfort of their own home. Contact us today to learn more about our in-home care services.