Pets and the Elderly

Many diseases plague the elderly in this country. One serious but curable disease is loneliness. Pets can help alleviate the loneliness felt by many elderly in today's society. Pets can help ease the loss of a loved one, give unconditional love, and offer a lot of affection.

Numerous studies over the years have shown that owning and spending time with pets benefit senior citizens in a variety of ways. Caring for and loving a pet can improve the physical and mental health of senior citizens; it doesn't matter what type of pet, cat, dog or bird. Companion animals provide healthy benefits to the elderly.

Benefits of pet ownership may include:

• Lower blood pressure
• Reduced stress
• Less depression
• Decreased sense of isolation
• Staying active/making friends
• Sense of security
• Companionship for those without family or close friends nearby
• Gives them something to nurture and care for

Deciding where the animal will go when the owner is not able to care for it anymore should be carefully considered. Very few nursing homes will accept pets, so plan ahead for a pet-friendly facility.

For the elderly who live in nursing homes and assisted living facilities there are several organizations here in Orange County that provide pet assisted therapy. A trained handler will bring a well-behaved pet to visit them at their nursing home, hospital room, or acute care facility.

Animal Health Foundation Pet Partners has teams of therapy dogs/handlers who provide loving visits to the elderly.  Pets Are Wonderful Support is another local organization that partners with the Orange County SPCA to visit elder care facilities with special canine volunteers. These organizations help lift the spirits of those they visit and are an unmeasurable asset to our community.

Pets and the elderly have a lot to share with each other. Pet ownership can help seniors stay happy and healthy and fill their lives with unconditional love.