The Benefits of Caring for a Pet

There have been several studies that show elderly persons live healthier, longer, and more enjoyable lives as a pet owner.  A study from the American Psychological Association reported that senior pet owners “fared better on several well-being (e.g., greater self-esteem, more exercise) and individual-difference (e.g., greater conscientiousness, less fearful attachment) measures.”  In summary their findings showed that pet ownership is an important source of social support and offers many positive psychological and physical benefits to owners. 

Even though there may be some disagreement as to the extent of the benefits, a study in the Journal of American Geriatrics stated that senior pet owners were inclined to have improved physical and mental health and coped with stress better.  They attributed that to the daily care a pet requires such as feeding, grooming, walking and cleaning up after that encourages seniors to stay engaged and active.  Furthermore, pets offer unconditional affection and companionship.

In a clinical research project done in the 80’s by Dr. Erika Friedmann, Ph.D. and Dr. Aaron Katcher, M.D. from the Brooklyn College of New York, they studied heart-disease patients after they were discharged from the hospital.  Tracking survivors in terms of medical histories, lifestyles, families, and relationships, they reported, "The presence of a pet was the strongest social predictor of survival...not just for lonely or depressed people, but everyone - independent of marital status and access to social support from human beings."

However an article from AgingCare.com cautions families to get the right pet for the right owner.  In other words before you get a pet, think about the personality and physical health of the person who is to be responsible for the pet.  Things to consider are: have they owned a pet before, what age pet should you get, does the pet have a good temperament, and finally, will owning a pet cause a financial hardship?

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".  Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Sources:psycnet.apa.org/?&fa=main.doiLanding&doi=10.1037/a0024506, petsfortheelderly.org/articles.html, agingcare.com/Articles/benefits-of-elderly-owning-pets-113294.htm