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Let’s start this article with a qualification; some people either are not able to have a pet, or would rather not have a pet. The former may be because of restrictions applied where you live (e.g. in an apartment complex that doesn’t allow pets), the latter personal preference (i.e. you simply don’t like the idea of having a pet around, you’re not a ‘pet person’). That’s fine, although if you are in the second case this article may begin to change your mind.
Quick Links:
Loneliness
Physical health benefits
Reducing depression
Beat boredom
The security factor
Choosing and finding a pet
Your Next Stepz
Let’s start with loneliness
As we get older, many of us not only notice the physical aspects of ageing, but also become aware of changes to our social lives and a reduction in interaction with other people. To put it simply, we become lonelier, and loneliness and feeling a lack of purpose can sometimes be more damaging to our feelings of wellbeing than disease or injury.
Now, you might ask yourself a perfectly legitimate question:
“Are animals really the solution, or are they simply adding more stress to the situation?”
Fortunately, there is evidence of the benefits of pets.
The positive physical health benefits
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society showed that seniors who live independently and own pets tend to have better overall health than those that do not.
According to a 2014 study in Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research having a pet can also lower the blood pressure of the people that care for them. Lower blood pressure has been associated with a range of positive benefits, including long-term stress relief and reduced chronic pain.
The health of many pet owners also benefits from the additional movement and exercise associated with owning an animal, naturally this varies according to the type of pet you choose.
HINT: Think about what’s a sensible choice for you. A goldfish will need very little in the way of extra exercise, while a Great Dane may demand far too much.
Your best friend (and new friends) can help you reduce depression and loneliness too
For people who may not have a lot of, or reduced, social interaction (perhaps due to the distance between family and friends or even the loss of a partner), the daily companionship of a pet can provide comfort, love and feelings of belonging and purpose.
These attributes help prevent mental health issues such as depression, which in turn can affect your physical wellbeing.
HINT: If you have a pet that needs a run in the park, or even a walk around the block, try to get into a routine so that you begin to recognise others doing the same. It can be a great way to meet people, share experiences and make new friends.
Pets can help you beat boredom
You may have recognised the dreaded ‘retirement rut’, the feeling that days are drifting into each other, that a sense of energy and purpose is missing.
A pet can give you a changing range of practical, and important activities to carry out throughout their day. From walks to playing games, a pet can build a greater sense of meaning and purpose in life. Their love, happiness and energy is contagious!
HINT: When choosing what species of pet and then what breed, think about their needs in terms of exercise, companionship, food and maintenance (e.g. clipping) and chose a pet that matches your resources.
The security factor
Feeling safe and secure in your own home is important – especially for those of us who live alone and feel as though we could be vulnerable. With family, friends, and carers not always able to be present, animal companions can offer an extra sense of safety and security.
Dogs can alert you if intruders or strangers are nearby, or alert others if you need need help, and are well known for their roles in helping visually or hearing impaired people to be aware when something is not quite right.
HINT: While cats can be remarkably perceptive and occasionally reactive to changes in their immediate environment, dogs are far more reliable!
Choosing and finding a pet
As mentioned in this article, to maximise the benefits of pet ownership, you need to find the animal that best fits your needs and resources. Then you need to find where you can source your choice of pet.
Here, family and friends may be able to help, or we can put you in touch with experts – see Next Stepz below.
HINT: Taking on the task of training a puppy may be more attractive in concept than reality. On the other hand, rescuing a poorly trained pet from an animal shelter may also be biting off more than you can chew (with apologies to teething puppies!).
Your Next Stepz
You’ve just read about a selection of the benefits of pets. You may be interested in some and not others, you may be an experienced pet owner or a complete novice.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a pet. An appropriate choice can bring you all the benefits discussed in this article and more. The wrong choice can bring you unforeseen consequences and responsibilities you neither want nor need.
For introductions to experienced people who can help you make the most appropriate choice, from species to breeds to sources, simply talk to us.
