The Amazing Benefits of Having a Pet if You are Older!

By Teresa Greenhill*

If you’ve ever owned a pet, you know the amazing love you can give and get from that relationship. Dogs, especially, love you no matter what. But is it worth it to get a pet if you’re older? Will the benefits outweigh the work? We believe the benefits are totally worth it.

Some ways dogs are beneficial to older people

They prevent loneliness. Older people who live alone will often find themselves bored and lonely, which can lead to depression and anxiety. A pet will make that better. Having a dog to cuddle with and talk to can help pass the time and keep you company. Dogs are very good at understanding when a person’s mood changes. They can sense it and adapt to it, helping the person weather the storm. They have evolved over millennia alongside humans, and are uniquely wired to be a helper to us.

They keep up your routine. Dogs thrive on routine. They expect to be fed at the same time every day and need their regular walks. Having a routine can also help improve your health by forcing you to get out of bed and take care of your buddy.

They make you exercise. Fido lives for walks. Walking is the most exciting thing a dog can do because he gets to get exercise and smell all the smells in the neighborhood. When you walk, your body responds by being more healthy — lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar, better lung function and more. Having a pooch will help you get moving more, maybe even making those daily walks a permanent part of your schedule.

A pet will do wonders for your social life

They make you more social. When you take your dog out for walks, you’re likely to meet other people with dogs, too. You’ll strike up conversations about your pooch, and you’ll soon be having puppy play dates. You’ll also go to dog parks, veterinarians’ offices and more with your pooch, which provides even more opportunity to meet others.

You’ll have a protector. Burglars are less likely to break into a home with a dog, and attackers are more likely to leave you alone when you walk. Even if your dog is a big sweetheart, the presence of a dog will deter would-be criminals because dogs are an obstacle. Even the most loving dogs will do what it takes to protect their people.

They reduce stress. Studies have shown that the act of petting an animal reduces your stress significantly. One study showed that having a pet can increase your chance of survival in the first year after a heart attack. More and more, nursing homes are seeing beneficial effects of having a house pet or having therapy dogs visit. Having your own pet can have the same effect. Perhaps you’ll become the person who brings their dog by for a visit.

They give you a purpose. Dogs require care, and if you have a dog, you’re going to feel better about your job of caring for him. It’s nice to feel needed and to have a reason to keep on moving through life.

Steps to take before getting a pet

If you’re considering a pet, make sure to do your research. Some older people find that a pet is too much trouble after a while and will give up. Talk to your doctor and local shelter workers to see if a dog is right for you. Then take your time getting to know the dogs you’re interested in, so you can make sure it’s a good match. Once you’re ready, you can welcome Fido into your home and take him on all your adventures.

*This week’s article is written by guest writer, Teresa Greenhill, who has an interest in mental health. She is the co-creator of MentalHealthForSeniors.com,  which is dedicated to providing seniors with information on physical and mental fitness so that they can be active and happy in their later years.

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The above photo by Pixabay