You’ve likely heard the saying that “dog is man’s best friend,” but have you heard the saying “animals are extremely important for the mental health of seniors?” Well, OK, that’s because that’s not a real saying, but it probably should be!
While many of us have enjoyed the pleasure of having a pet, more and more evidence is showing how valuable pets can be for the emotional wellbeing of seniors. While adopting an animal might not have been high on your list of things you could do to help your mental health, after reading this article it just might be!
Of course, not every senior is in a position to be able to take care of a pet, so adoption might not be an option. But, even if a fulltime pet isn’t in the cards, there are several ways that seniors can still interact with animals on a regular basis to still get those feel-good benefits, such as volunteering at an animal shelter. And although dogs get all the glory, humans can connect with many different animals. So don’t shy away from exploring pet ownership because of allergies or mobility issues. Maybe a leopard gecko is just what you need!
Companionship
One of the most common struggles seniors face is loneliness. In fact, the World Health Organization found that in some countries a staggering 1 in three seniors reported feeling lonely. And while loneliness is obviously an upsetting feeling, it’s also a dangerous one. The risk factors associated with loneliness are up there with the risks that can accompany smoking and obesity. Armed with that knowledge, it’s important to address loneliness as quickly as possible.
Having a pet can dramatically reduce feelings of loneliness in many ways. For one, it always feels good to have someone to come home to. Knowing that you’re not going to be alone at the end of the day can help to lower stress and give you something to look forward to. Who doesn’t like cuddling up with their pet and a good book at the end of a long day?
Pets that are well cared for are generally quite affectionate and protective over their owners, and enjoy staying close to them. Sometimes simply having a presence nearby when you’re completing daily tasks can be comforting. Plus, having an animal around gives you someone to talk to! It might sound silly, but interacting with your pet can give you the same boost as spending time with a good friend.
Can Increase Interactions With Others
If you choose a pet that requires regular walks, such as a dog, then it’s very likely that you are going to start having a lot more conversations with strangers than you did previously! Dogs are natural people magnets, and great conversation starters! Be prepared to get asked questions about your pet out on walks and at the dog park. You might even meet fellow dog owners who you become good friends with, just because your dogs are fond of each other.
While it might not seem like interactions with strangers are important, The New York Times tells us otherwise. While of course the deep relationships we have with dear friends and family are vital to our wellbeing, it turns out that brief interactions with strangers, such as people you meet while out dog walking, your local barista, or bus driver are all very important interactions that contribute to our wellbeing. These conversations can help give us a feeling of community, which, as stated in the NYT, tells us is a basic human need. While of course we can do this without pets, the presence of a dog gives strangers a natural way into conversation, which greatly increases the chance of having more of these positive interactions.
Gets You Moving
Having a pet gets you moving, which as we all know is of vital importance to our mental and physical health. Dogs need to be walked at least once a day, rain or shine, and even other animals, like cats or ferrets, appreciate being taken outside to explore.
Often, especially when someone is struggling with a condition like depression or anxiety, it can be hard to get outside and exercise, even when we know it would make us feel better. However, when an animal is depending on you for its health and happiness it can sometimes be the jolt you require to put their needs first. Not only is this good in terms of making sure you get enough exercise and time outside (another crucial ingredient required for good health), but it can also be useful to focus on something outside of ourselves so we don’t get so caught up in our own thoughts.
Provides Purpose
While retirement can be a wonderful time to relax after so many years working hard at a job, for some seniors the lack of purpose and routine can be disorienting. Although participating in hobbies can be a great way to provide that feeling of purpose, another way, or even in addition to hobbies, can be to have a pet to take care of. Pets need to be fed, exercised and entertained. This might mean setting up an obstacle course for your cat, or giving your budgie a bath. Maybe you work on teaching your dog some tricks, or try to get your rabbit to find the treats you’ve hidden all over your living room. No matter the animal, they deserve to be well-cared for, and that need can make you feel useful and invigorated. Why not be the best pet owner you can be? The time you spend on it will not only make the life of the animal better, but will increase enjoyment in your own life as well.
Overall Health
While it’s likely a combination of all of the points on this list, the stats are in: animals are good for your health. Pets have been shown to lower stress levels, lower blood pressure and cortisol, release dopamine, and give a general boost to your mood. Based on that information alone, it seems like getting a pet is a very good idea.
In fact, the American Heart Association even published an article that suggested owning a pet might lower the chance of developing a cardiovascular disease – something that is currently the leading cause of death in the United States. That’s pretty incredibly work for a little creature that hangs out in your house chasing pieces of string!
Routine
Routine is a powerful thing. While we might fantasize about having endless stretches of time in front of us where we’re not required to do anything, the reality is that humans like structure. We like knowing what’s coming. It feels safe and comfortable, and can help us build healthy habits, such as good sleeping patterns. While some humans might not be very good at keeping routines, pets absolutely live by them. If you start feeding your dog at 12 o’clock, then your dog will be ready for food at 12 o’clock every single day, and they won’t let you forget it! Structure is just as important for animals as it is for humans, so you can expect your pet to want to wake up, pee, and eat at the same time each day. While you might not be motivated to create this routine on your own, having a pet can naturally make you fall into this way of life, which in turn can help guide you into a healthier way of life. Even though you might not feel like getting up to go to the park at 7 am when it’s raining outside, you’ll be shocked at how good you feel once you do it. It’s routine, after all.
Following the schedule of your pet can also help you realize what is most important to you in your daily life. Maybe that’s stopping to enjoy a coffee, or doing the crossword. It might be something small, but all of these habits can add up to build a highly enjoyable life.
Faster Recovery
Unfortunately, seniors are at a higher risk of injury due to falls and other accidents, and recovery when you’re older is usually much slower than it was when you were young. The pain of an injury can be hard enough on its own, but when recovery is slow it can almost make it seem unbearable.
But, in a poll of older adults with pets, 70% said their pets helped them with their physical or emotional symptoms, and 46% said their pets helped them take their mind off their pain. While this might come from an animal who seems particularly empathetic, such as a cat who comes to lie on your lap, or a dog that doesn’t leave your side when you’re struggling, this could also come by the simple enjoyment of having a pet and the distraction it provides.
In fact, an entire industry has sprung up around the healthy power of pets. Animal therapy has become very popular for people of all ages, and it’s a great option for those who aren’t able to commit to having a fulltime pet. Pet therapy has handlers connect patients with suitable animals, such as dogs, horses, cows and sometimes even animals like hamsters and reptiles. Being in the calm presence of an animal can be very helpful to seniors who are struggling with something like Parkinson’s disease, who might startle animals who aren’t used to the constant movement.
Some seniors with certain medical conditions might even qualify for an animal who has been specifically trained to support them with particular medical conditions, such as seizures, vision loss, post traumatic stress disorder, and a variety of other mental and physical health conditions. Not only can these animals provide emotional support, but may also be the difference in a life or death situation.
Security
Sometimes we just need to feel the presence of someone else in our home to feel safe. Seniors can often feel quite vulnerable in their home, especially if they were used to living with a large family and now suddenly find themselves all alone. A pet can help put someone at ease simply by being around. And, can sometimes help you feel more confident if you have vision or mobility limitations by providing a little bit of support as you move about your residence. Of course, unless you have a pet who is trained to support you with specific tasks you shouldn’t rely on them as a medical support animal, but some pets are so intuitive that they might still help you feel an extra boost of confidence as you navigate through your home and society.
Having an animal like a dog might also help you feel more comfortable sleeping at night, or even going around your neighborhood for a walk. Even a small dog can be a great comfort, and their bark would likely be enough to draw attention to you if you were in need.
Pets Bring You Into the Now
If you’ve read previous articles, then you know how much we love mediation and mindfulness! Mindfulness is universally recognized as a helpful practice for a healthy life and mind, but it’s much easier said than done! All too often people dwell on the past or get fixated on the future, not realizing all the good that’s right in front of them at this very moment. This is where a pet comes in.
Animals, while very intelligent, don’t have the same kind of brains as us, so they aren’t thinking about a conversation they had five years ago, or how to get a promotion at work. Instead they’re savoring the delicious piece of chicken they were just given, enjoying the warmth of a sunbeam, or investigating the thrilling allure of an empty cardboard box. Animals are so present and fully engaged in the moment, it’s hard not to be right there with them. Mindfulness is so much easier with a pet, because it’s so effortless for them, and that can spill over to you. A few hours spent playing with a dog or cuddling a cat and you’ll wonder where the time went because you were enjoying it so fully. This is important at every age, but during your golden years you want to enjoy every single moment you have.
While adopting a pet can be a wonderful addition to your life, it’s always important to take the time to figure out if it is the right choice for you. Having a pet is a serious commitment, and, even if you love animals, sometimes it isn’t a good fit depending on your specific circumstances. Don’t forget, there are so many ways to get the mental health benefits of animals without taking on the responsibility of pet ownership. Look into volunteering, pet therapy, pet sitting or fostering as great options. And ask your friends! It’s likely at least one of your friends would be happy to have you come over to watch their pet for a few hours when you need it.
However you choose to interact with animals, here’s to a better headspace, and no space at all on your phone, because it’s probably filled up with animal photos now…
