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:
Living alone
Loss of family or friends
Chronic illness
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:
Lower your risk of cardiovascular disease
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:
Ease feelings of loneliness
Unconditional love and support (positive regard)
A calming presence
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.
AML09132401
