Here are the top ways pets benefit older adults:
1. A Health Boost for Your Heart
A study from the American Heart Association found that seniors owning pets experience lower blood pressure and reduced fluctuations in heart rate. Another study out of Australia found pet owners had statistically significant lower blood pressure than nonowners. These participants even had similar BMIs and socioeconomic profiles.
Additionally, dog ownership in particular is said to correlate with a longer lifespan, especially for those who are heart attack or stroke survivors.
Along with lower blood pressure, several studies show that dog owners are 50% or more likely to attain the recommended amount of daily physical activity and steps than those without a pet. Findings have shown that dog owners walked an average of 300 minutes per week compared to 168 minutes per week for nonowners. Research from the Journal of Physical Activity & Health says this can be an average of 2,760 more steps per day than non-pet-owners, which adds up to 23 minutes of moderate exercise every day.
2. Alleviate Pain
Loyola University Health System came out with a groundbreaking study that found older adults recovering from surgery need less pain medication if they have a pet or engage in pet therapy compared to those who don’t. Reduced reliance on pain relief drugs can not only save money, but also minimize the risk of addiction or dependency-related issues.
3. Decrease Loneliness
The companionship of a pet that’s special to you can dramatically cut back on the feeling of loneliness. The endless affection that many pets have for their owners, as well as their cute and silly antics, can make an impact when times are otherwise lonely. Pets provide a guaranteed daily interaction, which can be crucial for an older adult’s wellbeing.
4. Boosted Social Interactions
Along with decreasing loneliness at home, pets make excellent conversation and friendship starters. If talking about the weather is getting boring when meeting people, try having a pet to share about, or having along with you to create a shared point of interest. Pets supply stories almost daily of some crazy or cute thing they just did.
5. 100% Increase in Smiling
We couldn’t pinpoint the research for this one, but we do know the power of smiling. Like yawning, smiling is contagious and increases happiness levels. We can attest that dogs getting the zoomies or the wiggle of a rabbit’s little cottontail bring smiles every time!
Unlike the delicacy of human relationships, you can never be mad at your pet for long with the unconditional love they show you. Just imagine starting every morning with a companion who is maybe even more excited to see you and love you as they were yesterday!
While the benefits of pet ownership are obvious, there are certainly some logistics you must consider if it’s the right choice for you and your lifestyle.