The benefits of pet ownership later in life

The health benefits that pets bring to humans has been widely researched.

Scientific studies show that spending time with pets can produce significant physical and emotional responses across all age groups. This is especially true for older people living independently.

Here we look at some key benefits of pet ownership later in life.

1. Pets help you stay active

All pets require regular attention, from feeding and watering, to petting or playing, and grooming and walking. These actions all encourage physical activity from their owner.

Even the smaller actions involved in caring for a pet are beneficial. Brushing a cat or throwing a ball to a dog can encourage regular movement and help keep fingers and hands flexible.

Often, pet owners increase their activity levels in response to their pet’s needs. One study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that dog owners walk an average of 2.2 hours more per week than non-dog owners.

There’s nothing as persuasive as a pleading dog, with an unyielding expectation of their daily walk around the block!

This increase in regular, age-appropriate physical activity delivers significant benefits to cardiovascular health and helps you maintain a healthy weight.

2. Pets offer companionship

As humans, it’s important to feel a sense of being needed by another living thing. This is exactly what pets offer. Knowing that an animal is dependent on them for love and care can help your loved one feel appreciated and validated. The genuine affection and loyal companionship they offer can also alleviate depression or loneliness.

In addition, pets provide the healing power of regular touch to older people. Petting a dog or a cat is a calming and enjoyable sensation that can help fill a void that some ageing people experience, especially following the loss of a spouse.

3. Pets can help increase social connectedness

As people age, changes in their health and mobility can see them reducing the number and frequency of social outings and interactions. This can easily lead to feelings of social isolation and even depression.

Owning a pet is a great way to encourage older people to maintain or increase their social network. It’s easier to commit to a regular walk around the local area when you have an eager dog in tow. This offers great opportunities to meet and get to know other pet owners in the same area.

4. Pets can boost mood

The mood-boosting benefits of pets have been documented in numerous scientific studies. Bonding with an animal can lower the ‘fight or flight’ hormone, cortisol, while increasing the ‘feel-good’ hormone, serotonin. This results in reduced stress levels and lower blood pressure.

Dogs especially seem to have a sixth sense for knowing when people are sad, agitated or frightened. As well as understanding voice commands, they are well-attuned at reading and interpreting our tone of voice, body language and emotional state. The comfort a dog can offer an older person in a stressful moment is priceless.

What to remember

There’s no denying a pet can bring joy to your life or that of your loved one, but of course, they come with responsibilities and commitments. Before committing to a pet, consider all the options available. Make sure you’ve taken time to assess whether a pet would really be right for you or your loved one.

If a full-time commitment isn’t the best option, you could always consider fostering as a trial solution.