The Healing Power of Pets for Older Adults

Pet owners often enjoy a higher quality of life than people who don’t have pets. Owning or interacting with animals also has particular benefits for older adults. The following are a few reasons your senior loved one may want to consider bringing an animal companion into his or her life. 

Enhances Mood 

Spending a few minutes petting a dog or cat can produce physical changes in the body. The levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, start to decrease. The body also starts to release endorphins, including dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, which naturally boost mood and promote bonding and feelings of connection. Caring for pets provides seniors with a sense of purpose, and it helps them prevent depression and enjoy a high quality of life. 

If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of Home Care Milwaukee families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. 

Boosts Heart Health 

Owning a pet, especially a dog or cat, can help a senior reduce his or her risk of cardiovascular disease. Pet owners tend to have lower heart rates, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels than those without pets. Seniors who own pets also have higher survival rates following heart attacks. These benefits are the result of lower stress levels and increased physical activity levels among pet owners. 

Provides Opportunities for Social Connections 

Pet owners naturally gravitate to other pet owners to share stories. Taking a dog for a daily walk in the park provides an incentive for a senior to get out of the house and engage with others. Not only does regular social interaction alleviate loneliness and depression, but it also stimulates the mind and maintains cognitive function. 

For families living in Milwaukee, Respite Care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

Promotes Bone Health 

Osteoporosis and the majority of falls among older adults are caused by weak bones and muscles. Walking a dog provides weight-bearing exercise, which strengthens bones and muscles. Having a dog can also encourage your loved one to get outdoors for sunlight and vitamin D, which helps the bones absorb the calcium needed to remain strong. 

Increases Independence 

Pets, especially dogs, can make it possible for seniors with certain physical limitations to live on their own. Dogs can be trained to assist seniors with a wide range of tasks, from fetching items to turning on lights and closing doors. Depending on your loved one’s situation, he or she may qualify for a service dog to help with managing a medical condition. For example, a service dog can assist a senior with Parkinson’s by providing balance support or a gentle nudge when the owner “freezes” while walking.

Reduces Chronic Pain 

Focusing on someone or something else can diminish the perception of pain due to arthritis or other chronic conditions. The calming effect of pets, the warmth of a dog or cat’s body on achy joints, and the increased physical activity that comes with owning a pet can help your loved one manage pain. 

While pet ownership has several benefits, it does not provide relief from several age-related conditions. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of at-home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.