by Shauna Dorko, Sidney SeniorCare –
When it comes to unconditional love and affection, our pets trump anyone and everyone. Whether dogs, cats or birds of a feather, pets are a joyful addition to any household, offering companionship, comfort, and security – both emotional and potentially physical as well. It is a well-known medical fact that they even reduce our stress level and blood pressure. There are also those who believe that pets help their senior owners to jump start their memory banks, helping them to relax and focus on positive memories rather than fixate on current physical challenges, loss or worries about the future.
For seniors, especially those who live alone, pets can singlehandedly improve quality of life and well-being in so many ways:
Companionship – seniors can often be lonely, some with very few visitors, and pets can greatly reduce loneliness and resulting depression. Pets are not only wonderful company, but their love and utter adoration is uplifting.
Sense of Purpose – taking care of a pet gives seniors a “raison d’être,” and the daily routine of feeding, walking and grooming a pet is healthy for seniors. Pets also live in the here and now – they don’t worry about tomorrow – which helps seniors to live more in the present, rather than mourning the past and dwelling on tomorrow.
Health & Well-Being – pets are natural de-stressors for us humans. Their unconditional love, acceptance and desire to please us makes us feel valued, infusing us with a sense of gratitude and overall well-being. Some pets also encourage seniors to be more active, get outdoors more often and engage with the world around them.
Protection – pets will very often alert us of impending danger and possible harm. Extremely protective of their human families, they will do their best to warn and protect against intruders, and other things that may mean us harm such as fire. Some pets’ incredible wayfinding abilities have even been known to help seniors find their way home.
Learning – having a pet can encourage a senior to research and learn about a particular breed and its care, which is mentally stimulating at an age when it is more important than ever to challenge the brain.
Overall, there are many benefits to experience by a senior pet owner, with the right pet suited to the senior’s lifestyle and abilities. For certain care challenges, there are plenty of services and resources available to help seniors care for their furry or feathered loved ones.
Written in collaboration with Sherrin Griffin. We welcome all comments, suggestions and ideas for future columns. Please email us at news@seasidemagazine.ca with “Seniors” in the subject line.
