A growing body of research tells us that pet contact
and ownership not
only can help seniors live longer, but also enhance their
lives in significant psychological, physical and social
ways. Nursing homes nationwide recognize the therapeutic
value of animals and have special programs that regularly
bring in pets for visiting and touching. Some facilities
even have their own resident cats that wander among patients’
rooms for petting and napping.
Ask people what the most serious diseases are among seniors
and you will
likely hear “heart disease, dementia and cancer”.
But the less tangible condition of ongoing loneliness can
be a greater risk factor to health and well being that contributes
to depression, hypertension and stress-related illnesses.
Pet ownership addresses the need for companionship, affection
and physical touch. Pets provide a sense of security and
make you laugh. A dog that needs walking is a ready-made
exercise program for its owner, while a cat that cuddles
close can relax you and lower blood pressure. Pets help
you make friends with other humans by getting you out in
the neighborhood and providing an easy topic for conversation.
Countless medical and psychological studies support
the benefits of pet ownership among specific studied
populations---the elderly who live alone, stockbrokers recovering
from heart attacks, patients in nursing homes, and the bereaved.
Although it isn’t clear why certain psychological changes
occur, the body of evidence shows that if you have high
blood pressure, a pet can lower your stress levels. Researchers
suspect that the answer may be as simple as having someone
by your side that is non-judgmental and you can count on
for affection, which creates a psychologically beneficial
relationship---one with the power to affect physical conditions.
Before getting a pet consider these factors:
* Poor eyesight or balance can cause people to trip over
pets. A
brightly colored collar with a bell attached will increase
awareness of
a pet’s whereabouts.
* Cats often require litter boxes that need regular cleaning.
Since
cats are good jumpers consider putting the litter box
on an elevated
table that won’t require you to bend and lift.
* Do you have the time and physical ability to regularly
exercise a
dog, or a yard where the dog can safely exercise alone?
* Do you have transportation for trips to the vet? And
the financial
resources?
* Do you have grandchildren that may play too roughly
with a small dog
or cat? Or be overpowered by a large dog?
* Arthritic hands can make grooming difficult, but brushes
and combs
with extra large handles will help.
* If you pet needs medication, keep it separate from your
own. Use
colored tape or stickers to identify pet prescriptions,
making sure it’s
on the bottle, not the cap (it’s easy to put a cap
back on the wrong
bottle!).
* Make sure your new pet is well matched to your abilities
and your
environment. Cats can sit very near and are easy to caress.
They are
more able than dogs to tolerate the warm room temperatures
that seniors prefer. A very young dog will need more exercise
regardless of weather conditions.
We share our daily lives with our pets. The furry ones
provide more obvious benefits, but if allergies are an issue
consider the ones with fins or feathers. We all flourish
when we have another being to care for. Remember that when
you choose a pet you are making a decision that implies
a future together. It is a positive, hopeful and life-affirming
choice.
RESOURCES
* Many humane societies have special programs matching seniors
with
older companion animals at reduced adoption and neutering
fees. Find
out about these “senior pets for senior people”
programs through your
local humane society. They and listed in the yellow pages
under “Animal
Shelters” and “Humane Societies.”
* Eichelberger, N. “When Kitty Has an Older Owner.”
Whole Cat
Journal, May 2000.
* The Senior Help-Line (800-642-5119) can refer you to agencies
that
may help you find a pet or the information on how to care
for one.
