Research has shown that older adults, who have pets, show decreased stress, decreased loneliness, and increase overall quality of life. One specific study showed that strong attachments with pets and older adults, showed results of decreased depression. (Pets and seniors, 2022)
Studies have also shown these specific areas that human-animal interaction benefits older adults:
– Decrease blood pressure
– Decreased loneliness
– Decreased anxiety and symptoms of PTSD
– Decreased cholesterol and triglyceride levels
– Reduces the risk of heart disease
(Pets and seniors, 2022)
– Increases overall quality of life
– Assists with pain management
– Assists with increasing physical activity
(Healthy aging, 2020)
If an older adult is unable to care for a pet safely on their own, providing an older adult with visits from local therapy dogs or friendly family pets, would still help benefit their overall health! If an older adult is able to safely take care of a pet, talk with our therapists at Home Therapy Solutions, to ask how we can evaluate your loved one and implement interventions/provide education on increasing your loved one’s safety, when taking care of a pet!
Resources:
1. Healthy aging. HABRI. (2020, February 24). Retrieved June 22, 2022, from https://habri.org/research/healthy-aging/
2. Pets and seniors. American Humane. (2022, June 21). Retrieved June 22, 2022, from https://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/pets-and-seniors/
