How Adopting a Pet Boosts Elderly Health

By 8  am on

Pets can make wonderful companions for the elderly, especially when animals and their owners are perfectly paired, and having a canine or feline friend often provides tremendous benefits for a senior’s overall wellbeing. If your elderly loved one has been thinking about adopting a pet, here are a few reasons this might be a good idea. 

Greater Mental Stimulation

New interests of any type can give seniors a sense of winding up rather than the opposite. In fact, many aging adults take to their pets with excitement by reading up on the specific breeds they own. Learning more about the requirements for pet care and the natural characteristics of a breed is mentally stimulating research that can support the development of new neural connections in your loved one’s brain. 

Seniors who need help caring for pets and looking after their own health can benefit from professional in-home care. At-home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.

Increased Sense of Purpose

After a senior’s children have all grown up and the aging adult has taken official leave from the traditional workforce, feelings of low self-worth can set in. People enjoy being needed by others because it builds confidence and provides a necessary sense of purpose. Gifting your loved one with a cat, dog, or other manageable pet is a great way to help him or her feel both valued and vital. 

Enhanced Physical Health

People tend to take better care of themselves when they know someone or something else is relying on them. Not only can a pet give your loved one a new reason for eating right and exercising more frequently, but he or she will also have a constantly present reminder to do so. Taking a dog out for a walk and spending time playing with a cat are both adequate forms of low-impact exercise for aging adults. 

Though having a pet can be wonderful for boosting an aging adult’s emotional health, some seniors may face health challenges that prevent them from taking care of a pet. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional home care service. Montgomery families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.

Less Depression & Loneliness

Many aging adults spend a considerable amount of time in isolation. Whether they’re having an increasingly difficult time getting out or simply have fewer friends to connect with, the addition of a pet can chase away feelings of depression. Best of all, having an animal to care for can help your loved one be more actively involved in his or her community, even if only to socialize with neighbors at a nearby dog park. 

For families living in Montgomery, 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 Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. If you need professional home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (334) 593-3988.

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