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Pets and Older Adults
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What are the benefits?
Pet ownership offers many benefits for older adults. It can have a positive effect on physical health. Older adults who own pets are more likely to recover from a heart attack. When people are around pets, their blood pressure tends to be lower. Pets can help older adults stay more active and be able to take better care of themselves. A pet can help people who have chronic pain focus on something other than their pain.
Pet ownership also has a positive effect on mental health. Animals help older people keep their minds off their problems. Pets can help people deal better with stress, grief, and loss. Pets can comfort people with touch and be a way to start conversations. Older adults who own pets feel less lonely, are less depressed, and are less likely to commit suicide. Pets may also help older adults feel safer and more secure. What else should I consider? Pets can be costly, especially for people on a fixed income. When you are ready to pick out a pet, consider checking with the local animal shelter. Also plan for the costs of immunizations, vet bills, neutering or spaying, and food. The animal shelter or pet store should be able to give you an idea what these costs will be for your pet. Some animal shelters participate in the Pets For The Elderly Foundation. It is a non-profit organization that pays the fees charged by the shelter for adoption, shots, and spaying or neutering. Do you have any allergies that you need to consider? Many people who are allergic to dogs or cats find that they are not allergic to animals like hamsters or birds. Besides providing love, joy, and comfort, pets can also mean fleas, chewing problems, and noise. It's best to be prepared for these things. It is also important to think about how much care the pet will need. Dogs tend to be some of the friendliest and most loving animals, but they need a great deal of care and attention. On the other hand, you can take care of a goldfish in a bowl in a couple of minutes, but it will not cuddle up with you. Make sure you have the space you need for the kind and size of pet you choose. If you rent, check your rental policy to see if you are allowed pets. Pets may help older adults live longer, healthier, and more enjoyable lives. Most people find that there is some kind of pet that they enjoy and can afford. Do not get a pet for an older friend or relative until you have talked it over with them and have thought about what to do if the person cannot care for it. In the same way, it is a good idea to discuss what might happen to pets if someone moves to a nursing home or another facility that will not allow pets. For more information about the Pets For the Elderly Foundation, call toll free at 866-849-3598 or visit their Web site at petsfortheelderly.org.  Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a
replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
HIA File AGI3028F.HTM Release 9.0/2006. Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subdiaries. All Rights Reserved.
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