The Paw-sitive Benefits of Owning a Pet for a Senior

Pets are known to be excellent companions for people of all ages, but they can have particularly significant benefits for senior citizens. Older people may face declining health or endure treatments that cause pain or discomfort, making them particularly susceptible to depression. Here are 15 ways pets can help seniors stay healthy:

• Stimulating the brain
• Stimulating the circulatory system
• Reducing pain and stress
• Lowering cholesterol
• Reducing heart disease risk
• Reducing stroke risk
• Overcoming limitations of ADHD
• Providing companionship
• Encouraging exercise
• Improving sleep
• Allergy prevention
• Acting as a great distraction
• Sense of purpose
• Encouraging anticipation and gratitude
• Physical therapy

According to a study conducted by the University of Michigan and sponsored by AARP, 70% of older adults confirmed that their pets assist them in coping with physical or emotional symptoms, while 46% reported that their furry friends aid in diverting their attention away from pain. The impact that pets can have on a patient’s emotional and physical well-being is truly astounding.

Physical Health Benefits of Owning a Pet for a Senior

As people age, their physical and mental health may decline, leading to a higher risk of chronic illnesses and other health issues. However, research has shown that owning a pet can have numerous physical health benefits for seniors. In this article, we will discuss four of the key physical health benefits of owning a pet for a senior: increased physical activity, lowered risk of heart disease and stroke, lowered blood pressure, and a better immune system.

Increased Physical Activity

One of the most significant physical health benefits of owning a pet for seniors is increased physical activity. Owning a pet can encourage seniors to engage in regular exercise and outdoor activities, such as walking, running, or playing with their pets. This increased physical activity can lead to improved mobility and flexibility, a lower risk of falls, and an overall improvement in physical health.

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