Senior Citizens Can Stay Healthy and Happy With Pets
as Companions
Petting your cat or dog can release the hormone
endorphins that help you feel calm and relaxed
By John Bolt, the Ultimate Dog Lover
Author with his Goldendoodle
Nov. 24, 2008 - Did you think that the old saying
that people with pets live longer and are healthier than those you dont
was a myth? If so, then you are in for a surprise. Research has shown us
that there are many benefits to owning a pet. It has been proven that a
loyal companion can make your golden years happier and healthier.
Not only can a loyal pet help to increase your
lifespan but they can also help you recover from surgeries and illnesses
faster. This may have something to do with the nurturing instinct they
tend to bring out in people. Research has proven that pet owners are
less stressed and visit their doctors less often than those who dont
have a pet for a companion.
Studies done on this subject shows that petting
your cat or dog can release the hormone endorphins throughout your body.
This helps you to feel calm and relaxed. Pets are also very accepting.
They have an unconditional love that is great for a persons self-esteem
and they give you a reason to take care of yourself.
Jan. 9, 2006 Nursing home residents feel much less lonely after
spending time alone with a
dog than they did when they visited with a dog and other people.
Jan. 22, 2002 - Imagine not being able to reach a
light switch, pick up your keys when you drop them, or open a
cabinet door. Then imagine having a dog that could do all of that
and more for you. These special canines are helping hundreds live
more independent lives
Once you reach your senior years you find it more
difficult to have the enthusiasm to go outside and enjoy the fresh air.
Going for a walk seems pointless and you dont have the desire to do
things that can help to improve your health. However, when you have a
companion that is counting on you to take care of them, all that changes
and you have a good reason to get up and start moving.
Dogs need to go for a walk around the block or a
stroll through the park. You know they need to get outside and exercise
and youre the one that has to make it happen. Therefore, you are also
getting the exercise that you need to stay healthy. When you look at it
from that perspective you can see why people with dogs tend to live
longer.
Depression is one of the biggest things that can
affect your health in a negative way and lower your immune system. Since
most senior citizens live alone its easy to get depressed and feel
lonely. Many seniors even feel unsafe and vulnerable in their home
because they are alone but having a dog can help to relieve these
symptoms. They are great companions that sense when youre lonely or
depressed and they are right there by your side to make you feel better.
They are also good alarm systems. Nothing can sneak
past a healthy dogs attention. Any size dog can make you feel safer
because they will warn you that something is wrong and you will have
time to phone for help.
Did you know that some people believe certain types
of dogs can predict when their owner has low blood sugar or when they
may be on the verge of an epileptic fit? Of course, you still need to
make sure you have your regular check-ups and take care of yourself, but
its something to think about. There have been cases when a dog knew
there was a problem with their owner before the person found out what
was wrong.
Do Plants or Pets Offer the Most Therapy for
Older People?
June
28, 2005 - Editor's Note: A reader with the Oklahoma State
University, School of Family Medicine, sent us a study she did
to determine if plants or pets provided the greater therapy for
older people. She did her study in assisted living facilities
and the animals won. Following is her report, with a background on the benefits of pets through the ages.
Special Friendships are Beneficial to Your
Health
The special friendships that exist between seniors
and their pets are beneficial to your health. Your golden years can
sometimes be very lonely. It can be difficult dealing with illnesses or
the death of ones that you love but a pet can make these trying times
easier to handle. Pets can provide the companionship needed for senior
citizens to live healthier and happier lives.
Dogs can help to reduce stress and help you get the
exercise you need to improve your health. Adopting a pet is recommended
by many therapists to help the patient get exercise and by many doctors
who treat Alzheimer patients.
People suffering from this disease dont
always remember their family and friends. During these times they can
feel extremely lonely and venerable but the company of a dog can make
them feel love and like they belong. This type of comfort can be
invaluable to these patients.
Even nursing homes and hospitals have seen the
effects that pets can have on senior citizens. This is why almost all
nursing homes allow family pets and puppies from the local animal
shelters to visit. You can see the joy and happiness this brings the
seniors during these visits.
It all comes down to the fact that pets can make
people happier and healthier. They can provide companionship for seniors
that live alone and give them a sense of security. As a senior citizen
you face many difficulties that are easier to deal with and less
stressful when you have a loving companion by your side.
Tips on Adopting a Dog
Before you go out and adopt a dog there are a few
things that you need think about first. For example, where do you live?
You need a breed that will have room in your home to be comfortable.
Many apartments and nursing homes may have a limit as to how large the
dog can be for you to have them so check on this first.
Keep in mind that dogs need room to move around
good even when they are inside and this will help you choose the right
size dog for your home. Of course, if you live in a rural area and have
lots of room then you can choose any size dog. After choosing the
appropriate size dog you need to look at their temperament. Some dogs
are naturally wilder and more active than others and you need one that
you can control easily.
About the Author
John Bolt enjoys spending time with Daly, his
Goldendoodle, in his home town of Cambridge, Ontario where he lives with
his wife Carolee. Hes the publisher of
http://www.goldendoodletime.com/ and a certifiable Ultimate Dog
Lover.
What is a goldendoodle you ask?
What is crate training? What are
airline dog crates? Find out these answers and many other great tips
at this informative website. When John is not hanging out with Daly or
writing about dogs you can find him enjoying the great outdoors and
enjoying all that nature has to offer, while discovering even more about
dogs and what makes them mans best friend.
