There’s nothing quite like the joy that comes with owning and caring for a pet, especially when it comes to your aging loved one(s). Limited mobility, health concerns and low energy can keep them from taking on life as they once did. But, animal companionship has the potential to provide both emotional and physical well-being.
Pet Therapy + How It Works
The use of pet therapy for seniors has actually been around for more than a century. But only in recent years has it grown in popularity. There’s really not much to the process. It’s simply finding the best pet to care for and provide comfort for your loved one(s).
The whole idea behind this method of therapy relies on the fact that animals have needs as well–feeding, daily exercise, bathing, training, affection, etc. Being able to provide those needs for a pet encourages physical activity, provides companionship, promotes cognitive health and aids in emotional health as well.
If your loved one is not able to care for a pet on their own, even just a couple hours with a furry animal can have a positive impact on daily life–releasing feel-good hormones, reducing loneliness and inspiring social interaction with other animal lovers. More specifically, pet therapy for seniors has been proven to be especially useful in the treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s, reducing levels of agitation.
Here are some of the physical, emotional and social benefits:
Physical Benefits
- Heart Health – Interacting with pets can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, thus lowering their risk of heart disease.
- Increased Activity – Playing and walking a pet frequently increases physical activity and exercise.
- Healthy Routine – Providing care for a pet encourages owners to develop a healthy routine of their own–eating regularly and completing chores, as well as other tasks around the house.
Social Benefits
- Promotes Social Interaction – Taking a pet out to the park or for a walk gets the owner out of the house, making them more likely to meet other pet owners who will socialize and converse with them.
- Memory Stimulation – Interacting with pets triggers seniors’ childhood memories of pets and/or past experiences.
- Involvement – Studies have proven that pet owners are more likely to get out and about, participating in community activities, which leads to social interaction.
Emotional Benefits
- Companionship– Pets are someone to take on life with, giving you affection and someone to converse with.
- Stress Relief – Being around a pet increases levels of serotonin, a “feel good” hormone, known to relieve stress and anxiety.
- Boost Self-Esteem + Provides Purpose – For a senior, knowing you are capable of caring for a pet provides confirmation of self-worth + knowing you have someone to wake up and care for in the morning and greet you with a sloppy kiss gives you purpose–a feeling of being loved.
At Charles Ford Retirement Communities, pet therapy is an important part of our culture and life enrichment. We work hard to promote healthy living and independence by frequently bringing in pets of the community for residents to interact and play with. If you have a question or are interested in learning more about pet therapy and our pet policy, call our office at (812) 682-4675.
