There are many studies available that indicate how pets of all kinds from, dogs to lizards can have enormous health benefits. Many reports show how following a heart attack, pet owners have healthier hearts as opposed to heart attack patients who do not have a bunny or snake. Although it seems a healthier lifestyle may be attributed to being more active once you have a pet, there is apparently an actual biochemical event that takes place when people are around pets that lowers blood pressure and elevates moods. Due to the information in these studies, more nursing homes and seniors are adopting pets to provide treatment through quality petting time rather than popping pills.

Pets can bring a new perspective and purpose to the lives of elderly persons who are in nursing homes, living alone or who are living far away from friends or family. The responsibility of taking care of a pet can offer a senior encouragement, well being and can even provide a reason for living. Providing a nice home and caring for an animal companion can indeed help seniors remain active and stay healthy. Having a pet in the home can help ease loneliness many elderly persons experience. Other health benefits have included: decreased stress, lowered cholesterol levels, improved blood circulation and reduced bone loss.

I recently read about senior centers in Utah which are frequently visited by baby kangaroos. The elderly community enjoys spending time with the animals and receiving a dose of marsupial medicine. The kangaroos hop the halls of the centers to spend quality time on those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. The unique guests allow residents of the senior centers to cradle and bottle feed them, which is a win for the kangaroo as well as the elderly persons in need of this special animal companionship.  

As more people discover the benefits of animals for older persons, programs and resources have surfaced which make finding and keeping a pet much easier. Most information recommends that seniors go to their local animal shelter to adopt a pet instead looking to acquire a purebred animal. There are also breed placement groups, typically referred to as ‘rescues’, which are a reliable option. There are specific websites available on the internet designed to help pair elderly citizens with a pet that would be most appropriate for their lifestyle.

There are some important factors to consider before adopting a pet for your favorite senior. The new pet owner must comprehend the amount of dedication that can go into caring for an animal. Making sure they have the physical capacity as well as the financial means to take care of their new pet. There are also things to consider regarding the age of the adoptee. Animal care professionals most often advise seniors to consider an older animal who may be a better fit for their lifestyle as well as physically easier to manage as opposed to a newborn who may not be housetrained and who can be very energetic.

By David Greenwood