Pets for Elderly Wellness
The benefits of pets for older people and people with health care needs
Pets can help you feel less stressed, lower your blood pressure, and boost your happiness.
Many older adults think about getting a pet to bring some joy to their quieter days. But what are the real benefits of having a pet?
Lower Stress Levels
Pets are great to look at and coo over, but did you know they can also help lower your stress levels? Research indicates the loving and nurturing relationship we have with our pets can significantly decrease cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and increase oxytocin (happy feelings!).
Decrease in Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is commonly associated with increased stress levels. While furry companions help alleviate stress, they can also help control your blood pressure.
Increased Fitness
Pets - particularly the kind that need regular exercise - are a great way to encourage elderly people to get moving. Even a short walk around the village can make a real difference.
Establish a Routine
If you have pets, you’ll know how often we have to shape our lifestyle around them! Up for breakfast in the morning, out for a nice stroll in the afternoon, then back home in time for dinner! Routines offer structure and responsibility, which are really good at helping us feel useful and nurturing our mental health.
Social Inclusion
Pets require love and affection, and so do we. Having a companion to share your life with can decrease the chance of depression and other mental health issues common amongst older people who don’t have a lot of opportunities to socialise. Whether you’re out walking your dog, taking them for a groom, or attending their yearly health check at the vets, pets unlock so many new ways to meet people.
Overall Happiness
Most importantly (in our opinion), pets make people happy. Research shows that happiness is the easiest way to improve your quality of life, nurture your mental health, and even expand your lifespan!
If you want to improve your mental and physical health, get a dog! (Man’s Best Friend, Harvard Health Publishing 2023).
Alternatives
Pets are a big responsibility. If you’re not able to keep a pet at home for whatever reason, there are still other ways to get some of the benefits of owning a pet without actually owning one. If you’re able, you could volunteer at a local animal shelter or a rescue centre. These are also great ways to get out and about and meet people with similar intentions and interests.
As a pet-friendly home care service, we just love to see the bond between human and animal - there’s nothing quite as heart-warming!