Pets and the Elderly: Take 2 Afghans and Call Me in the Morning
My daughter’s friend Anna, in the interest of science and advancement to the 5th grade, brought over the most adorable, silky-soft black and white bunny you ever saw along with an official looking chart and a blood pressure cuff. “Sit down,” she said. “Roll up your sleeve. I’m going to take your blood pressure.”
Surprise, it was high.
Anna recorded that on her chart.
“Now hold Cruncher,” she said handing over the warm little black and white package, “and stroke him while I take it again.”
Surprise, it was not so high.
“You’re just like everyone else,” she summarized while recording the second blood pressure, and then vanished to my daughter’s room.
Many studies, including Anna’s, have shown that owning and caring for animals has benefits for people of all ages. But there are special advantages for the elderly, including living longer, healthier and happier lives. One study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society demonstrated that independently living seniors that have pets have better physical health and mental well being than those that don’t. They are more active, cope better with stress and have better overall health.
Here are some great reasons to bring a furry friend home:
- Companionship and Socialization
Companionship should not be underestimated: it is an antidote for loneliness and isolation, and a support system for seniors who live alone or have little contact with family and friends. Seniors who walk their dogs have more chances to interact with others. Animals help break the ice, encourage conversation and provide enhanced social opportunities.
- Staying Active
Pets need walking, feeding, grooming, playing, fresh water, cleaning up after and petting. All of these require action, and however small, can benefit the heart, bones and joints. Performing these tasks daily can keep pet owners able to carry out the other normal activities of life.
- Avoiding Depression
Animals help their owners’ combat depression, one of the most common problems facing seniors today. Animals accept their owners as they are. They love unconditionally, forgive easily and unlike my teenager, do not talk back or think they know more than you. They give seniors a reason to get up in the morning and help them keep their minds off their problems. Pets are 100% devoted to their owners. Depression has to be difficult in the presence of that level of admiration.
- The Power of Touch
Cuddling and interacting with a pet is a powerful act. As study after study has shown, it not only lowers blood pressure and heart rate, it affects human emotions and physiology in complex ways. An animal is a gift of something to nurture and care for, something to love and to touch.
- A Sense of Security
Pets relieve anxiety and give seniors a sense of security. A barking dog can surely keep unwanted visitors away, and alerts when there is someone at the door. Pets increase self-reliance and help seniors feel more confident in living on their own.
Of course there are many considerations that a senior must take into account before taking on the responsibility of a pet. Are they physically and financially able to care for a pet? If they travel or become ill, is there an alternative care provider? Cleaning up after dogs and cats requires bending. Birds need time outside the cage. Each type of pet will have its own set of needs that should be matched with the safety needs of the owner. Think through these considerations and be honest with yourself.
If you live in the Houston area, consider a FANTASTIC program currently being offered by the Houston SPCA called “Seniors for Seniors”. The “Seniors for Seniors” program offers those 65 and older an opportunity to enjoy the love and companionship of an older dog or cat. Please go to their website at www.Houstonspca.org to learn more.
When Anna’s mom, a Registered Nurse, came to pick her up later that evening they reviewed our household results. “Gosh your blood pressure looks a little high,” Anna’s mom said. “You should probably get that checked. “Or get a rabbit” said Anna.
Please contact our office at 713.523.2329 with any questions or comments.
You may also download our state-of-the-art Medicine List on our website.
