There are many benefits to owning a pet as a senior citizen. From reduce stress and increased social interaction, many seniors would benefit from owning a pet.
Companionship
Many seniors live alone and many have experienced the loss of a spouse or close friends. As a result, many seniors are often left feeling lonely on a daily basis. If a senior citizen has a pet, especially a cat or dog, they will never feel alone at home. The overwhelming feeling of loneliness can result in depression and a pet can provide companionship to a senior to help reduce depression symptoms.
Purpose of Life
The majority of senior citizens spend a lot of their time doing very little. If they don’t volunteer or have a friend group that goes out, they might end up staying in most of the time. A pet prevents a senior from watching endless hours of TV or never getting out of bed in the morning. A pet will encourage them to wake up and get out of bed because they know that the pet needs their attention. A pet can help a senior citizen form a routine which can improve their purpose of life.
Physical Activity
A dog can be a great pet option for seniors that are still mobile and active. A dog is always willing to go for a walk or run around outside. A senior citizen that is still able to physically keep up with a dog would certainly benefit from one. Walking a dog on a regular basis would improve their own physical health and reduce their risk of heart disease. However, some cats also enjoy walking outside on a leash and are willing to do so.
Sense of Security
A dog can provide a senior citizen with protection and security. Unfortunately, senior citizens are often victims of robberies and barking dogs often scare thieves away. Even if the senior citizen has a very small dog, the sound of the dog barking alone will likely prevent a burglar from coming inside. Security is also “peace of mind” for many seniors and simply knowing that a dog is inside with them will help them to feel more secure.
For more senior citizen news and hints, visit BEK Home Medical Equipment’s blog.
