The Role of Pets in Improving the Quality of Seniors’ Life

As we progress through life, our bodies experience numerous transformations. We traverse various stages where our body's processes gradually decelerate. Our ability to recuperate diminishes, and physical endurance wanes. Mental and emotional health also encounter age-related hurdles. However, the quality of life in our golden years continues to ameliorate each year. This advancement is a testament to the relentless progress in medicine and the availability of a broad spectrum of supportive medications. Moreover, innovative techniques and exercises for seniors are persistently evolving, empowering us to significantly prolong the active and joyful phase of life.

Numerous studies have shown that so-called animal-assisted therapy demonstrates fantastic results in maintaining the cheerful spirit, thirst for life, and activity of the elderly. Having a small pet to care for and share love with helps maintain a positive attitude and improves physical and mental well-being.

The Impact of Pets on the Psyche

This topic actually deserves a separate article or even a book. Much research is devoted to this topic, and the search for new ideas occupies a significant place among students and research papers on psychology. You can see it for yourself by contacting an online essay writing service and asking them to compose a paper on the influence of animals on the psyche of people of any age. Now, we are talking specifically about senior people. So, pets' positive impact on older adults' psyche is unquestionable. The presence of a cat or a dog allows a person to feel more necessary. And a simple stroking of a pet has a magical effect. This meditative process activates the hormones serotonin and oxytocin. They are also known as the happy hormones.

Many studies on this topic prove that the overall standard of living of people with pets is higher than that of lonely older adults.

Scientific studies conducted by the esteemed University of Missouri have unequivocally demonstrated that pets are powerful allies in the battle against anxiety and depression for seniors. Furthermore, they have been found to significantly reduce issues related to high blood pressure and overall stress levels. This robust scientific evidence should reassure you of pets' positive impact on the elderly.

Supporting Physical Activity With Pets

The conclusions in this vein would seem obvious. However, many still don't realize how much pets can help seniors maintain their physical health and clear their minds.

The simplest example is a dog. The tailed lover of a walk needs to be taken outside at least once a day. This regular walk significantly improves overall physical condition, helps to develop joints, and supports the heart and circulatory system. In addition to this, outdoor walks are beneficial in themselves; the dog is just an additional reason to go outdoors. It's a win-win situation where the senior and the dog benefit from this shared activity.

If we are talking about a cat, it also requires care. Regular feeding, combing the pet, and cleaning the litter box also contribute to physical activity. The benefit comes from supporting fine motor skills when discussing smaller pets like hamsters or fish. Feeding a fish or cleaning a cage requires a lot of small movements.

The respected journal Gerontology once studied physical activity in the elderly. The results are more than unequivocal. People with pets maintain a much higher activity level, take more walks, and generally have better health. This scientific evidence underscores pets' significant role in supporting seniors' physical activity.

Increasing the Level of Social Activity

It is sad to admit that loneliness is one of the most critical social problems of older people. For objective reasons, the number of friends and contacts decreases over the years, and a person can end up practically alone. Animals are excellent companions in this respect. They can partially replace human communication. In addition, it is a significant bonus and a boost of social activity if we talk about dogs. While walking with your dog, you can easily converse with other pet owners.

The value of socializing with pets is not lost on many nursing homes. These facilities often allow guests to have pets, encouraging them to independently walk and care for their companions. Moreover, numerous nursing home programs incorporate elements of animal therapy. For instance, these institutions may organize visits from contact zoos, allowing pensioners to interact with various animals. These interactions can be educational, allowing individuals to learn more about different species and therapeutic, offering a source of comfort and companionship.

The Effect of Pets on Brain Function

Surprisingly, simple companionship with pets can slow brain aging and improve cognitive function. Many studies and practical applications of animal therapy have proven this true. Socializing with animals helps improve a range of brain functions.

• Cognitive flexibility
• Attention
• Emotional regulation
• Sensory integration
• Psychomotor coordination
• Verbal Communication
• Empathy
• Affective memory
• Reduction of depressive symptoms

A study was conducted at the University of California. The subjects included people with dementia. Incredibly, regular animal therapy sessions showed a steady improvement in mood and cognitive function. This proves that regular communication with animals can slow brain aging and improve the quality of life of older adults.

Preparing to Keep a Pet in a Nursing Home

Having a pet is, after all, primarily a responsibility. Nursing homes must determine which pet suits each guest and assess the patient's ability to care for the animal. In this case, it is worth favoring less active breeds of dogs and cats that do not require long walks and too active games. Also, nursing homes should handle all the necessary material bases and safety. This includes sufficient space to house the animals and easy access to veterinary care.

In Conclusion

The benefits of pets in improving the quality of seniors' lives cannot be overemphasized. Pets help patients maintain a high level of physical activity and feel needed. In addition, pets boost mood and help fight depression and stress. When we add to that improved cognitive brain function and social connections, it's safe to say that pets can be indispensable companions for nursing home guests.