How do pets help elderly people
This article details how pets improve elderly health through lower blood pressure and social connection, while outlining critical risks like falls and allergies.
Companion animals provide elderly people with reduced blood pressure, lower stress, and increased social interaction, though they also introduce specific risks like falls and allergies. The benefits are most pronounced for those living alone or in care facilities, where the animal serves as both a motivator for physical activity and a source of non-judgmental emotional support.
Physical health and cardiovascular outcomes
There is measurable evidence that pet ownership correlates with better cardiovascular markers in older adults. A 1986 study of 92 people hospitalized for coronary ailments found that within a year, 11 of the 29 patients without pets had died, compared to only 3 of the 52 patients who had pets. This survival advantage extends to specific physiological markers; having a pet has been shown to significantly reduce triglycerides, which lowers the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, a National Institute of Health study indicated that dog owners are less likely to die from a heart attack than non-owners.
Walking a dog forces a routine of physical exertion that many elderly people struggle to maintain on their own. This activity provides fresh air and exercise for both the human and the animal, helping to combat the sedentary lifestyle that often accompanies aging. However, this physical benefit comes with a trade-off: falling injuries are a significant hazard. Tripping over pets, particularly dogs, causes more than 86,000 falls serious enough to prompt a trip to the emergency room each year in the United States. Among elderly and disabled people, these falls can result in life-threatening injuries and broken bones.
Mental health and cognitive support
The psychological impact of a pet often outweighs the physical benefits for the elderly. Animal company helps people preserve acceptable levels of happiness despite mood symptoms like anxiety or depression. The presence of a pet can stimulate the caregiver, giving them a reason to get up, a routine to follow, and a living creature to nurture. This sense of purpose is crucial for those who have lost a spouse or friends, as pets provide companionship to people living alone who lack adequate social interaction.
For those suffering from dementia, there is some evidence that pets may have a therapeutic effect, helping to calm agitation and provide a focal point for engagement. While a 2017 RAND study suggested that for children having a pet does not statistically improve health outcomes, the data for the elderly points in the opposite direction. A 1987 NIH statement cautiously argued that existing data was "suggestive" of a significant benefit, and subsequent observations support the idea that pets help achieve mental goals such as decreased stress. However, it is important to note that for some, good health may be a prerequisite for having a pet, rather than a result of it.
Social connection and community engagement
Pets act as social catalysts, facilitating interactions between owners and the wider community. Research suggests that pets foster communication and engagement, making it easier for elderly people to connect with neighbors and strangers. This social bridge is particularly valuable for those who might otherwise be isolated. The animal becomes a shared topic of conversation, breaking down barriers that might otherwise exist.
In long-term care institutions like nursing homes or hospices, the role of the pet shifts from a family member to a structured therapeutic tool. Therapy animals, including facility therapy dogs, animal-assisted therapy dogs, and therapeutic visitation dogs, are brought in to help residents cope with emotional issues related to illness. These visits offer physical contact with another living creature, a need that is often missing in an elder's life. The choice of pet in these settings is rigorous; animals are selected based on size, care requirements, and the population of the institution, with dogs undergoing specific training to become therapy animals.
Risks and practical limitations
While the benefits are substantial, the risks must be managed carefully. Beyond the danger of falls, pets can aggravate allergies and asthma caused by dander, fur, or feathers. There is also the risk of injury from bites or mauling, and the potential for disease transmission due to hygiene problems or lack of appropriate treatment. Stress caused by the behavior of an animal can also become a burden if the pet is not well-trained.
Perhaps the most significant long-term concern for elderly owners is the anxiety over who will care for the animal if the owner becomes unable to do so. This is a practical reality that often complicates the decision to adopt. Additionally, the physical demands of pet care, such as feeding and cleaning, can become overwhelming as an owner's mobility declines. For some, the pet's needs may become more manageable than a child's, but the responsibility remains absolute. If the owner can no longer provide care, the animal faces a crisis, making the planning of future care a critical part of pet ownership for the elderly.
Conclusion
The relationship between elderly people and pets is complex, balancing tangible health improvements against physical risks and long-term logistical challenges. While pets can significantly reduce triglycerides, lower stress, and provide essential social contact, they also introduce hazards like falls and allergies. The decision to keep a pet in later life requires an honest assessment of physical capability and a solid plan for the animal's future care.