We know having pets in families with children can have positive benefits in teaching compassion and responsibility. Now we also know pets are just as important for older adults, especially those who may live alone.
Several recent studies have shown significant benefits of pet ownership for older adults physically, psychologically and socially.
A three-year study in Australia of nearly 6,000 individuals found pet owners had lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels than non-owners. This study looked at other factors that could influence the difference, including smoking, diet, weight and socio-economics, but did not find the same correlation as was found with pet ownership.
While there can be challenges to owning one or more pets when a person is older, the advantages of ownership seem to out-weigh disadvantages.
Pet owners have a purpose for living.
Older adults who recently lost a spouse or who had other significant changes in their life are more likely to suffer depression. Signs of depression include excess sleeping, lack of caring about eating and/or personal hygiene or less even socializing.
Owning a pet means another living thing needs care.
The owner has a built in alarm clock when the animal stirs and requires attention. It needs to be cared for — fed, walked, groomed, etc. The owner has to get up, get dressed, and have a routine for caring for their pet(s). This routine is especially important when someone has lost a spouse they cared for over many years. They need something to replace that need.
Older adults with pets that need outside exercise report more daily physical activity.
A Canadian study found dog owners walked nearly twice as much per week compared to non-dog owners. A University of Minnesota Stroke Research Center study found 28 percent of pet owners survived the risky first year after a heart attack compared to only 6 percent if they did not have pets. Even cats, which rarely take walks with owners, somehow helped lower the risk of dying of a heart attack.
Just having a pet around to "talk to" and "cuddle with" can be beneficial.
When people who had blood pressure in the hypertensive range talked to animals and touched them, it often had a soothing effect and lowered blood pressure to normal. Just touching an animal is known to reduce stress in humans.
Older adults with pets in the home are more likely to meet new people and start new friendships.
Pet owners have common interests and activities that provide the opportunity to build social bonds with new individuals. They may even gain a new interest in having their pet be a "therapy visitor" to assisted living or other health facilities or schools.
Finally, a dog may also provide some security for the owner who lives alone.
Even if your pet dog is little, if it has a big bark, the person outside the home doesn't know if it's a miniature terrier or a full sized German shepherd. For a person who has reduced hearing or limited eyesight, a dog can help alert the owner to changes around the home.
Bottom line, a pet that requires daily care and attention can provide significant benefits to their older owner.