Seniors and Pets

For many older adults, health issues and mobility limitations can keep them from time spent with loved ones, especially for seniors that live alone. Social isolation can lead to depression, loneliness, and poor physical health. Pet therapy has proven to benefit seniors by improving depression and anxiety symptoms, increasing self-care, and improving heart health.

Adopting a pet has been scientifically proven to provide health benefits. Frequent interaction with a pet can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and it can decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. Walking, grooming, or playing with a pet is a great way to increase physical activity and exercise. Those who own pets also tend to take better care of themselves.

Having a pet encourages the owner to develop a better meal schedule and complete chores or other tasks. Not only does having a pet provide physical benefits, but it can also provide social and emotional benefits as well. Walking a dog can get senior owners out of the house. This increases opportunities for socialization. Having a pet has also proven to decrease loneliness in seniors, because pets prove isolated seniors with affection, conversation, and activity. Pets also increase serotonin levels, relieving stress and anxiety. Lastly, pets also provide seniors with a sense of purpose. Pets give seniors a reason to get up in the mornings, and they combat depression by eliminating feelings of worthlessness or helplessness.

While having a pet isn’t for everyone, there are many benefits to welcoming a furry friend into your home. If interested, make sure to consider factors such as cost, pet size, personality, and energy level. It is also important to consider adopting a pet in need, such an older animal.

Adopting an adult animal can eliminate the stress of training, and an older pet can better match the energy of a senior all while saving the life of an animal.

At Elder Law of Omaha our passion for seniors and their care is top priority. If you have questions about estate planning or how to plan for long term care and the future, then please give us a call to set up your complimentary 30-minute consultation at 402-614-6400. Visit our website at www.ElderLawOmaha.com for more information on the services that we provide.