Pets for Older Adults
I am sure you have heard the old adage that a dog is man’s best friend. There is a lot of truth in that, and much has been written about the benefits of older adults having pets.
Many older people live by themselves, sometimes away from family and friends. Isolation is one of the worst downfalls of getting older. Having a pet in the home offers a number of benefits. One of the main ones is companionship. I can understand why.
Before my second daughter was born, we had a Peekapoo – part Pekinese and part poodle. Her name was Snookie and she was adorable. My husband picked my daughter up at the sitter’s every evening, so I arrived home first to an empty house – except for Snookie. She ran to the door when she heard me unlocking it. When I entered she barked, wagged her tail and danced around. (My husband almost never does that.) Snookie was excited just because I was there. Yes, I know, she would have greeted anyone that way, even a burglar! Nevertheless, no one was ever as glad to see me as Snookie.
Pets always bring on smiles! It’s important to feel special, even by a pet. It’s nice to have another living being in the home, and it gives you someone to talk out loud to. Without a pet, the house seems much more empty. Another benefit is the physical contact of petting an animal. It’s relaxing, and some studies have even shown it leads to lower blood pressures in people with high blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels in those with high levels.
Pet owners in general, elderly and younger, have fewer overall health complaints; less problems sleeping, as well as fewer aches and pains, headaches, and digestion problems. For one thing, pet owners are more active. They play with and walk their pets daily.
However, there a downside to older adults owning pets. According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “There are many benefits to pet ownership. But they can also be a hazard.” The CDC discovered that cats and dogs are a factor in more than 86,000 serious falls a year. This is the number of falls that actually require a visit to the hospital. This is only about 1 percent of injuries from all falls, but it is a disproportionate problem for senior citizens.
The rate was almost twice as high for people 75 and older; and women were two times more likely to be injured than men.
Cats can cause injury by tripping people. If you’ve ever owned a cat, you know that they love to rub against your legs and ankles – even when you are walking!
Dogs were blamed for most pet-caused injuries. They startle people, jump up on them, and push or pull the owner off balance during a walk. Or they run away and the owner falls chasing after them.
The CDC advises older people to improve lighting, remove pet toys, and use obedience training. Make sure you have a pet that is appropriate for you - a pet that you can control, afford and enjoy.