Pets for Seniors: A Perfect Match for Better Living

Key Takeaways

• Owning a pet can improve the mental and physical health of older adults.
• The best pets for seniors are dogs, cats, and fish.
• Studies have shown that owning a pet can reduce the risk of dementia, encourage physical activity, and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.

Pets are a source of love, joy, connection, and emotional support. Whether it’s a wagging tail, a gentle purr, or a warm nuzzle, the presence of a furry friend can bring endless comfort, happiness, and a sense of well-being into its owner’s life.

Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that pet ownership can have a significant positive impact on both physical and mental health. Regular interaction with pets has been shown to increase physical activity, reduce stress levels, and lower blood pressure and cholesterol. These benefits can be particularly meaningful for seniors, as they may help reduce the risk of heart disease and support overall cardiovascular health.

For those experiencing hearing loss, pets can provide an additional layer of safety and independence. Many organizations specialize in training service animals to assist people with hearing loss. These specially trained dogs can alert their owners to important sounds like doorbells, smoke alarms, or someone calling their name. Even existing family pets can sometimes be trained to provide basic sound alerts in familiar environments.

Emotional and Mental Health Benefits

Pets can help improve mood, reduce stress, and provide meaningful support. Some of the key emotional benefits of pets for seniors include:

Companionship

Even the best caregivers can’t be with their loved ones every minute of the day. Adding a pet into the mix for companionship may provide invaluable assistance in caring for an aging parent or relative.

In fact, one of the greatest benefits of owning a pet is the companionship it provides. Studies have shown that owning a pet can help decrease feelings of loneliness and provide essential social support.

This study shows that seniors who owned a pet were 36% less likely to experience loneliness than seniors who did not have a pet. Animals such as cats and dogs often love to be close to people, providing a source of unconditional love and companionship.

Relieve Stress

Simply playing and cuddling with a pet can decrease stress and lower blood pressure. According to a national poll, three-quarters of pet owners aged 50 to 80 say their animals reduce their stress and give them a sense of purpose.

As we grow older, it can be easy to spend days worried about the future or living in the past. As a caregiver, you’ve probably seen this happen! Spending time with a pet can also encourage its owner to be more present in their day-to-day lives. “Dogs and cats live very much in the present,” says Dr. Jay P. Granat, a New Jersey-based psychotherapist. “They don’t worry about tomorrow. An animal embodies that sense of here and now, and it tends to rub off on people.”

Routine & Purpose

Providing care for a pet can also help set up a routine. Just as caregiving brings structure to your day, having a pet to care for gives the person you’re supporting a sense of purpose and daily structure.

Certain pet care tasks, such as walking the dog, can help your loved one get outside and increase their physical activity, as well.

Mental Stimulation

Cognitive decline and dementia are common symptoms of aging. Studies show that those who care for pets often experience higher rates of mental stimulation and are more socially and physically active.

The mental stimulation gained from taking care of a pet helps reduce the rate of cognitive decline, prevent diseases like dementia, and contribute to a longer and happier life.

Reduced Depression and Anxiety

The many benefits of pets for seniors, including mental stimulation, physical routine, stress relief, and companionship, can help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. Studies show that over 70% of elderly pet owners said their pet helps them cope with their symptoms. When the person you’re caring for has a companion who provides support and purpose, it’s easier to manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Additional Health Benefits

Pets provide a great reason to form exercise habits, such as daily walks, which can help improve their heart health and lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Dogs are particularly great at encouraging their owners to get out of the house. It’s one of the reasons why seniors and dogs go so well together!

Simply taking the dog on a walk through the neighborhood is a great conversation starter, too. Imagine an easy morning walk with Fido, which can help keep them healthy, give them something to look forward to, and help them meet more neighbors who also have dogs.

A study by the University of Michigan, sponsored by AARP, found that 70% of seniors reported that their pets helped them cope with mental and physical health issues.

Hearing Loss and Pet Ownership

For people with hearing loss, pet ownership takes on a whole other layer of support. Pets, especially dogs, can serve as an extra set of ears around the house. They can be trained to alert their owner to sounds like doorbells, alarm clocks, and telephone calls.

They also keep them connected to the outside world. Pets create a need for connection with veterinarians and other pet service providers, such as dog walkers or pet sitters. If you’re not always available to attend appointments, the person you’re caring for may need to hear clearly on the phone to manage these interactions.

A ClearCaptions Phone can enhance their ability to communicate clearly with essential pet contacts, as well as with family members and friends. Thanks to near-real-time captions, they can keep up with every word of their phone calls, eliminating any stress they might feel talking on the phone with their pet’s vet and other important people.

Companion Pets for Seniors: What to Know

While pets offer many benefits, there are also important considerations to keep in mind before adopting one. Be sure to assess the person’s desire for a pet, their mobility, living arrangements, and financial situation before deciding to take on pet ownership.

If they are serious about adding a pet to their home, here is a list of questions to think about before bringing one home:

• How long will this animal live?
• What does the pet eat?
• What type of exercise and how much will the pet need?
• How large will it grow?
• How much will veterinary care cost?
• Do they have enough time to care for this animal?
• What type of habitat does this pet need?
• Are pets allowed in their house/apartment/condo/senior center?

There should be a support system and contingency plan in place in case of hospital visits, injuries, or changes to their living situation. If necessary, would you be able to care for the new pet and your loved one?

What Are the Best Pets for Elderly People?

With so many different types of pets, how do you know which one is the right choice? To help, here is a list of some of the most popular pets for the elderly:

• Dogs: While many types of dogs can make great pets, smaller dogs like Boston terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, poodles, pugs, and Yorkshire terriers may be easier to pick up, cuddle, and manage on a day-to-day basis. In addition to their size, consider their energy levels and personality types.

• Cats: Most cats in the US will fall under American shorthair or longhair. Their personality will vary from kitty to kitty. They can be sweet and snuggly or content with more space. Some of the most common types of cats include American Shorthairs, Longhairs, Himalayans, and Ragdolls.

• Fish: A fish tank can be a low maintenance way to enjoy a beautiful pet, or several pets in one tank! Bettas, goldfish, guppies, mollies, and tetras all make great pets.

Adopt, Don’t Shop

If you’ve done your research and are ready to bring a pet into someone’s life, there are many wonderful organizations to help you find your new furry best friend! A great place to start is by reaching out to your local SPCA or animal shelter. Many of these organizations are excited to connect seniors and pets, and will waive adoption fees. Petfinder.com is another great resource to help you find the right dog or cat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Continue reading for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about seniors and pets, as well as tips on how to make these relationships work for everyone involved.

Are pets good for senior citizens?

Yes! Seniors and pets are a match made in heaven. Pets provide essential companionship, purpose, and structure to your day, helping to enhance both physical and emotional well-being.

What are the best types of pets for seniors?

When considering what the best pets are for elderly individuals, you have to consider several factors. Calm, smaller dogs tend to work well for those who have lower energy levels. Cats make excellent companions, too, as they are more independent than dogs.

Fish, birds, and even small reptiles may be a good option for people with limited space or mobility. In the end, the perfect pet depends on your loved one’s living situation, physical abilities, and personal preferences.

How do pets contribute to healthy aging?

Pets play a significant role in promoting healthy aging in numerous ways. From encouraging physical activity to providing emotional support, pets offer benefits just as much as they receive from their owners.

Pets can help your loved one stay mentally engaged and keep their mind sharp. Remembering feeding schedules, reading about pet care, and talking to the pet exercises the owners’ brains. The routine of pet care also provides a structure to their day, which is important for mental health.

Are pets safe for older adults with limited mobility?

Yes, with the right match, pets can be safe for those with limited mobility. Calm, well-trained animals present fewer fall risks. Some options include:

• Cats or small dogs that don’t need walking
• Birds that provide companionship from a cage
• Fish that create a peaceful atmosphere

With proper planning and selecting the right pet, seniors and pets can enjoy a safe and fulfilling relationship even with mobility limitations.