Pet Ownership and Older Adults – Health and Social Benefits

Posted on

Jan 14, 2016

Book/Edition

Texas - Dallas, Collin, SE Denton & Rockwall Counties

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Due to the increasing evidence of health and social benefits, medical professionals and caregivers of older adults have begun to pay attention to the importance of the bond between people and their pets.

The American Heart Association has linked the ownership of pets with a reduced risk for heart disease and living longer. Pet owners tended to report greater amounts of physical activity, lower blood pressure and modestly lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Some research has shown that people who had pets of any kind were also more likely to survive heart attacks. Studies have also shown that pet owners over the age of 65 visit their doctors 30 percent less than those who dont own a pet.

Over the last decade or so there have been periodic reports on the association between pet ownership and cardiovascular risk said Dr. Glenn N. Levine, lead author of the scientific statement by the AHA, which looked at the influence of pets on heart health.

Pets offer affection and unconditional love, fight off loneliness, and help keep your mind off of your problems. They can have a positive influence on your bodys reaction to stress by reducing the stress hormone cortisol and boosting levels of serotonin and dopamine, the hormones that help you to feel calm and relaxed. Pet owners have less depression and are better able to handle stress, grief and loss.

Older adults with dementia and Alzheimers disease also benefit from having a pet in the home or community where they live. Animals have a calming quality to them that can help to soothe an Alzheimers patient and decrease aggressive behaviors. Alzheimers patients suffer less stress and have fewer anxious outbursts and behavior problems when there is a dog or cat in the home. People with dementia associate pets as friendly and non-threatening; when a pet is present, they tend to participate in more activities. Additionally, studies show that nutritional intake improves.

Pets provide companionship, unconditional love, a sense of purpose and boost your overall mood; helping you to find meaning, joy and happiness in your life. The health and social benefits to older adults is plentiful. Hug your pet today!

Editorial Note: Article written by Kathleen Warshawsky, BSN, RN, Publisher of Seniors Blue Book Greater Dallas. Kathleen may be reached via email at Kathleen@SeniorsBlueBook.com

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