Animals are great friends of humans. They fill our lives with unconditional love and companionship, rejuvenate our walks, boost our spirits, and research shows that pets are good for our wellbeing.
This is particularly right for seniors, as Home Care Granite Bay experienced caregivers have observed. Studies have also proved that owning a pet can decrease anxiety, boost moods, and increase physical activity and social interaction for senior pet owners. For example, caressing a cat or a dog helps senior’s to lower stress, elevating the sense of joy and relaxation. If you are looking to surprise your elderly loved one with a pet, here are some of the most notable benefits of owning a pet in your golden years.
1. Reduces Sense Of Loneliness and Isolation
Pets provide seniors with feelings of being wanted and needed. They will not feel alone when they have a pet or pets around them. They will have someone to talk with, particularly when they are upset or distressed and will have the chance to tell their deepest thoughts, which they feel shy about telling someone else. Pets provide seniors with feelings of security and trust that are almost difficult to find from others.
2. Enhances Longevity
Having a pet can improve one's physical and mental health in later years, which is very important. For instance, research has shown that having a pet cat can lessen the likelihood of having a heart attack by one-third. Having a pet around motivates senior citizens to maintain a healthy lifestyle so that they can reassure their pets that they will always be there to look after them.
3. Relives Stress And Anxiety
Touching a pet can be exceptionally comforting, especially for lonely older people. Animals have an instinctive ability to read human emotions, which allows them to provide support at the right time. It has been found that having a pet can have a relaxing impact on its owners, which can be especially helpful for elderly people who may be experiencing tension or anxiety. Petting a dog or cat has decreased the stress hormone cortisol and raised the feel-good hormone oxytocin.
4. Offers A Sense OF Purpose
Pets allow seniors to focus on positivity instead of their physical conditions and negativity about senior years and loneliness. Pets provide the elderly with a daily routine and something to foster and care for, including structure and activities to do every day with walking, playing, brushing and feeding at fixed times. This provides a sense of purpose each day and satisfaction at the day's end. They also take the place of people in life, provide happiness when seniors have lost a spouse, and help spend quality time talking and interacting with them.
5. Boosts Metal Wellbeing
Interacting with pets can brighten up the lives of seniors. They provide something to look forward to, with simple means of entertainment and joy, cheerfulness and a sense of responsibility. Pets help to increase the appetites of the elderly with Alzheimer's and give something to focus on for seniors who feel like they are losing their independence to enhance feelings of optimism and hope.
Choosing the Right Pet
While there are many benefits to owning a pet in our golden years, choosing the right pet for your lifestyle and needs is essential. Dogs and cats are the most popular pets among seniors, but they may not be the best fit for everyone. Some seniors may prefer a lower-maintenance pet, such as a bird or fish, while others may prefer a pet that doesn't require as much physical activity, such as a cat.
Additionally, it's essential to consider pet ownership's financial and logistical aspects. Pets require regular veterinary care, food, and supplies, which can be expensive. Seniors may also need to consider how they will care for their pets if they become ill or unable to care for them.
Conclusion
You should urge your elderly loved ones to get a pet because having a dog to curl up their feet or a cat to cuddle on the lap will make your loved ones feel cherished and needed, and it will allow them to have a healthy life in their golden years. You can accomplish this by encouraging them to acquire a pet. Granite Bay Home Care Caregivers who visit seniors in their homes provide assistance with their daily activities and also look after the seniors' animals.