Pets
As we age, pets can play a crucial role in providing companionship, reducing loneliness, encouraging physical activity, offering a sense of purpose and even improving mental health by lowering stress and anxiety, making them an important part of a healthy aging process. Pets provide unconditional love and companionship. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pets “increase opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities, contribute to better cognitive function in older adults, and provides more opportunities to socialize." Having a pet is also linked to health benefits such as decreased blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. Pet ownership is even associated with reduced feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and PTSD. Caring for a living being gives our lives purpose and helps establish a routine that adds structure to our days. That mutual bond can help improve physical and mental health for humans and pets alike. Research shows that of pet owners say their animals reduce their stress, and nearly as many say pets give them a sense of purpose.
Pets are undoubtedly great companions, but they also help their humans make connections with other people and build a social support network. Pet ownership is the third most common way that people meet other people. Taking your dog on a stroll through the park can be a great conversation starter. Pets also help people be more mindful. Mindfulness is described as “the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we are doing, and not be overly reactive or overwhelmed by what is going on around us. Studies show that 87% of people feel more relaxed after spending time with a pet.
Studies suggest that a positive outlook can speed recovery after an illness or injury. Pets are so good at helping us see the bright side that many hospitals and long-term care facilities have established pet visitation programs for patients. A study sponsored by AARP found that 70% of older adults said their pet helps them cope with physical or emotional symptoms and 46% said their pets help them take their mind off of pain and provide purpose.
