Many can agree that pets have become a major part of modern families. Whether it be a dog, cat, bird, or even fish, an animal companion can always make for a great friend or addition to the family. It’s no wonder pets can be of great benefit for aging seniors. Aging can be hard as you may experience changes on not only a physical level, but also an emotional and social level. Also with age, family dynamics may change as children get older and go on to live their adult lives. This can leave empty nesters alone in a quite home. Pets or Emotional Support Animals (ESA) can provide many benefits to one’s health and well-being in ways you may not have considered possible. Here are a few benefits to spark consideration for adoption.
1. Physical Benefits
According to researchers at the University of Missouri, “among adults 60 years of age or more, walking is the most common form of leisure-time physical activity because it is self-paced, low impact and does not require equipment.” After-meal walks are especially beneficial for digestion. With so many positives to walking, seniors should take up the opportunity whenever possible. This habit for healthy living can be difficult to maintain in colder seasons or through times of personal difficulty. A great way to stay physically active is with a workout partner! Dogs often demand a lot of outdoor activity and exercise; they make excellent walking companions and motivational partners.
2. Emotional Benefits
Along with changes to one’s physical lifestyle, getting a pet can also attract emotional benefits. Studies show that seniors can be prone to anxiety, depression, and isolation. As children get older and go on to live their adult lives, empty nesters may often find themselves feeling lonely and longing for the time they had others to care for. An emotional support animal can satisfy basic human needs for seniors to feel productive and fulfilled. What better way to address these needs than with the unconditional love that a furry companion can bring?
3. Social Benefits
Making friends is not always easy, especially when getting older. Seniors who have retired often encounter less opportunities for open socialization as one may find in the workplace. The presence of a furry companion in their lives can be a major game changer. Pet owners generally receive much more attention when walking down the street. Chances of being approached by a friendly stranger on the street increase dramatically when walking a dog verses when walking alone. Dog walking provides great opportunities to meet new people, and start conversations with other pet parents. Pets and animals are perfect ice-breaker topics to get conversations started. At the very least, dogs themselves make great partners for conversation.
With so many benefits to adopting and so many animals in need of homes this winter, perhaps this holiday season may be the best time to bring a new addition to the family. Pets make great gifts for one’s own household or that of a loved one. Loving companionship should always be honored, especially through the age old bond between man and animal.
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