how owning a pet helps senior citizens

How Owning a Pet Helps

Senior Citizens

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No matter what age we are, most of us crave some type of companion-ship. This need only tends to intensify the older we get. Funny enough, company isn’t the only thing that owning a pet can offer you as you get

deeper into your senior years. In fact, there are many impressive benefits to owning a pet as a senior citizen.



They Stimulate Brain ActivityThe entire process of adopting a pet allows for brain stimulation. Searching for pet breeds and reading through their tendencies and behaviors helps get your mind moving. There have also been cases that show that elders with some memory loss can access old memories after adopting and interacting with their new pet. They give you the responsibility of caring for another creature which keeps your mind fresh.



Increasing Social InteractionHaving an animal, especially a dog, can result in more social interaction with people out and about as well as with your neigh-bors. You can be introduced to new people out on walks or have something to talk about when you meet someone. A pet even helps to get the conversation going when you have visitors over your house. An animal in the house gives off a more friendly atmo-sphere that stimulates conversa-tion.



RoutineAs you get older, you may find yourself doing very little up and about or not having much purpose in your day. Well, an animal helps to implement more of a routine into your day. It gives you a little more responsibility and something to tend to to keep you moving both mentally and physical.

Reduce StressStudies have shown that people who own a pet live lives with much less stress. It’s indicated by researchers that pet owners have lower blood pressure and pulse rates. Animals help to reduce your anxiety. Their carefree attitudes have a calming affect on those around them, and even just touch-ing a pet is said to make someone feel more relaxed.



Physical ActivityWhether you want a dog, cat, or even a bird, a pet gives you the chance to get up and do some-thing. It may be taking your dog out on a walk to get some exercise for both of you. It may be getting a toy and playing a bit with your cat. Or it may just be getting up to feed a bird or clean up their cage a bit. To stay healthy, no matter the age, you need to get a little bit of physical activity in your day and animals give the opportunity and the responsibility to do just that.



They Give You a Sense of NowThe older you get, the more upset-ting, or even scary, the prospect of tomorrow gets. Animals, espe-cially dogs, live very much in the now. The play now, they eat now, they bark now, and they have no worries about what tomorrow will bring. This will help to add a sense of now to your life and keep you happy in the present.

Loving and AcceptingPets offer you undying love and affection. They are loyal and attached to you from the get go and will never leave you feeling unloved. Animals make you feel like you are needed, something that everyone needs. They give the non judgmental acceptance that can be difficult to find at any age.


Improves MoodsIn over 80% of pet owners, their animal makes them feel better when they are said or upset. Sometimes they even help when you feel physically sick or just bad. An animal takes away the loneli-ness you may be feeling and they have been proven to reduce feel-ings of depression. They give you someone to talk to when you feel stressed or upset or even just in day to day activities.



SecurityMany seniors feel far more secure with a pet. Sometimes it’s just the idea of having another creature in the house with you or, with a dog, they truly improve the security of your house. No one is likely to break into the house of a barking a dog, even if the dog is a foot tall.

They Keep You HealthyMany tests have shown that pet owners are healthier than non pet owners. Not only are they proven to visit their GP’s less and need less medicine which can save them thousands of dollars, but they are also much more likely to survive longer after an acute heart attack. Pet owners have even been seen to recover faster from surgeries and illnesses than non pet owners. Pet’s are the cutest medicine there is.


Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation CentersAurum member nursing and rehabilitation centers provide a wide range of high quality medical services including:• Postacute care• Short-term rehabilitation• Respite care• Hospice care• Long-term care

Working with each resident and their family members, staff will customize a plan to maximize both self-motivation and func-tional independence. You or your loved one will be in an atmosphere of warmth, respect and understanding.

Find an Aurum Member Facility in your Area



how owning a pet helps senior citizens

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