Everyone needs a pet in their life. Pets usually train us more than we train them. Pets can be a real help for the elderly. Some of the saddest consequences of old age are depression and loneliness. Having pets can keep elderly people young and keep them out of depression’s reach. Pets don’t just help with these things. There are many statistical advantages to having pets.

Encourage Physical Activity

It can be hard for anyone to get up and go running or go for a walk, let alone waking up with weary bones and aching limbs. An eager dog wanting to go on a walk can and will help. With regular activity you can extend high quality of life. Animals bring a sense of purpose. Dogs are particularly good because they love to do anything. Make sure you consult with a professional before getting a dog that is too aggressive or too excitable.

Lower Stress

A ton of the stress that builds up over a lifetime can start to boil over and affect other parts of your body and life. Animals are proven to lower stress. Blood pressures have a big correlation in stress. Having a dog near you can really help. When you play with a dog or groom your dog you can lower your blood pressure. When you do these activities it releases good mood enhancing hormones that change your stress and blood pressure levels.

Help Control Pain and Anxiety

Pets have the best intentions for you. Pain and anxiety happen a lot because of loneliness. When you are alone with just your thoughts they start to fester and get more and more problematic. Anxiety is the real problem. Research shows that having pets can lower anxiety and research also shows with less anxiety comes less pain. A lot of pain in elderly people comes from arthritis. When you are active it builds up the strength in your muscles and cartilage. They are even doing studies where after they do surgery they put you with a pet and rate your pain. These new studies are showing promising results.  

Increase Social Interactions

Pet owners have common ground with other pet owners. There are proven statistics that show that the love and affection from dogs can make elderly people more friendly. If two elderly people have dogs, often it results in a connection and relationship that lasts longer. 

Pet owners often feel a connection with other pet owners because of shared activities and shared interests. This may encourage greater socialization among seniors. Walking dogs with others can result in exercise and relief of pain and anxiety.

Fight Depression and Loneliness

Pets can really help depression and Loneliness. Pets have numerous statistics showing that they reduce  these two things. They give many people a purpose in life. Pets can make people feel close to someone and have a connection. It gives them a purpose in the morning to get up and gives them a reason for everything they do throughout the day. It helps drive purpose when a lot of free time is available.

Assisting Hands Home Care

Pets have a lot of different commitments and requirements. You need to be able to pay for a pet as well as housing for your furry friend. Some other things you need to think about are your own physical limitations. For instance, if bending over is difficult, it may be hard to take care of and nurture a pet. Keep your own circumstances in mind before considering a pet.

Pets are GREAT, but sometimes you need a companion that can cook and clean or maybe someone that can help you get up. Maybe someone who can move furniture around or declutter. If you or a loved one needs at home companionship that requires more than the occasional check up, give Assisting Hands a call today. Assisting Hands Senior Care trains their caregivers for your specific needs. If you live in the central New Jersey area we will show you why we are the number 1 choice.