5 Well-Researched Benefits of Pets for Seniors Living Alone
Living alone can be lonely for anyone, but may feel especially disheartening for seniors. Becoming involved in the community and taking up new hobbies are great ways to fill the time. But what do you do when your loved one can't get out of the house or is unable to participate in his or her favorite activities? One excellent idea is to adopt a pet. Animals have long been known to have positive benefits for humans, but this is especially true for seniors. Here are the five well-researched benefits of pets for seniors living alone.
Benefits of Pets for Seniors
1. Decrease Loneliness
A study conducted on older adults living alone found that those adults with an animal companion were 36% less likely to report experiencing feelings of loneliness. Even though they cannot communicate with words, having a companion to communicate with is a great way to quell feelings of isolation and sadness that are common for seniors who live on their own or are otherwise unable to interact with others regularly.
2. Give a Sense of Purpose
As seniors lose their independence, the sense of purpose that they once had may also become negatively affected. Having an animal companion to care for may help to restore this purpose and allow them to once again feel needed and loved unconditionally by their pet. Knowing that a helpless animal is relying on you to meet all of their daily needs can be a great motivator to get up and out of bed, which is something that some seniors struggle with. This benefit can apply to seniors with and without memory care struggles. Keep in mind, however, that a loved one with dementia may need some help caring for their pet.
3. Improve Symptoms of Depression
Studies have shown that caring for an animal companion is an effective way to reduce negative moods and other symptoms experienced with depression. More research is needed, but there is also evidence to suggest that cats may be more effective companions for homebound seniors struggling with depression and loneliness. Individual preference and the personality of the pet, however, should be the most important factors to consider.
4. Keep Active and Improve Health
Having an animal to care for requires at least some physical activity on a daily basis. Having a dog, especially, is great for maintaining physical health, as dogs require regular walks to manage their energy and bathroom needs. Research has found that having pets can lead to decreased blood pressure and heart rate. This is due in part to the physical activity required as well as the calming effect that animals have on humans.
5. Increase Community Involvement
Having a pet can also help seniors improve their social lives. Walking a dog has been proven to increase the ability to socialize with other pet owners as well as the general public. Animals are great conversation starters that could lead to planned meetups and new friendships.
Still Not Sure?
If you are not sure whether adopting a pet is right for your or your loved one, Senior Helpers Chicago/Evanston can help. We are happy to discuss the benefits of pets for seniors as well as provide services to help you or your loved one care for a pet, including transportation to purchase items for the animal, light housekeeping, and general assistance in caring for the pet. If you are in the Chicago and Cook County, Illinois areas, contact us today to see how we can help care for you and your pet.