Pets and Senior Health Benefits

 

Discover how pet ownership can benefit a senior’s cardiovascular and mental health.

David Minaya
September 18, 2024

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Social isolation and loneliness affect a significant number of seniors (nearly 25% ) and puts them at risk for dementia and other serious medical conditions. Factors that may increase your risk include:

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Living alone
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Loss of family or friends
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Chronic illness
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Hearing loss

The leading cause of death in the United States is cardiovascular disease. One of the biggest controllable risk factors, physical inactivity remains at epidemic proportions . Nearly 85% of seniors  do NOT perform the recommended levels of physical activity.

Fortunately, pet ownership can provide seniors with the following health benefits:

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Lower your risk of cardiovascular disease
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Improve your mental health

Pets and Cardiovascular Health Benefits

Studies have shown, pet ownership (dog or cat) can lower your systemic blood pressure. This is great news because most seniors have hypertension.

A randomized study  on pet ownership and blood pressure showed a significantly lower systolic blood pressure in people who adopted dogs versus those who deferred adoption. So, adopting a dog can lower your blood pressure.

Compared to all pets, dogs are most likely to positively impact your level of physical activity. Studies show dog owners engage in more physical activity than nondog owners.

For seniors with cardiovascular disease (CVD), pet ownership may provide cardioprotective benefits . Any kind of pet is associated with CVD survival. However, the survival of dog owners was 4 times higher than nondog owners. So, if you want to live longer, own a dog.

Pets and Mental Health Benefits

Pet ownership provides a nonhuman form of social support . Specifically, dogs  can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Pet companionship can provide you with the following mental health benefits:

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Ease feelings of loneliness
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Unconditional love and support (positive regard)
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A calming presence
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Meaningful purpose as a pet parent

Seniors with mental or emotional conditions can benefit from the presence of a dog. These pets are called emotional support animals  and must be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional.

For example, a licensed psychologist can provide you with a letter for an emotional support animal (ESA). Seniors who rent can provide an ESA letter to landlords and under the Fair Housing Act cannot be discriminated against. In other words, pet restrictions do not apply to renters with a legally prescribed emotional support animal.

Call Senior Healthcare Direct at 1-833-463-3262 to speak with a licensed agent.

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