The healing power of pets for seniors

Let's not kid ourselves. Growing older can be very lonely for many seniors. Relatives and friends move or pass away, and it becomes increasingly difficult to leave the house and participate in once-loved activities. But there is one source of comfort and companionship that benefits seniors in many ways: Pets.

Advantages of keeping animals for older people

Pets can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, promote social interaction and physical activity. But pets also offer other intangible benefits. \"Dogs and cats are very much living in the present," says Dr. Jay P. Granat, a psychotherapist. \"They don't worry about tomorrow, which can be very scary for older people. An animal embodies this sense of the here and now, which usually translates to people in a calming way\".

Pets can also have an amazingly positive effect on symptoms of depression and feelings of loneliness. “Older pet owners have often told us how incredibly dreary and lonely their lives were without the company of their pets, even though there were some downsides to owning an active pet,” says Linda Anderson, who founded the Angels Animals Network (AAN) with her husband to raise awareness of the benefits of having pets at home.

Angelika and Rüdiger Hoffmann couldn’t agree more. Shortly after the Hoffmanns retired, they adopted Kira, a Golden Retriever puppy who quickly became an indispensable member of the family. “We never felt alone when Kira was in the house. As we got older and went out less and less, she provided us with loving companionship,” her owners said. Kira’s outgoing personality also enriched the lives of other seniors. The Hoffmanns took her along to visit elderly relatives at a nearby nursing home, and she was popular with both the residents and the staff and was thoroughly spoiled.

Psychologist Ms. Donnenfeld, who brings her own Golden Retriever mix, Sandy, to her practice, has even observed that animals can help improve memory in their older owners. “I’ve seen people with memory loss regain access to memories from long ago through interaction with an animal,” she explains. “A pet helps seniors focus on something other than their physical problems and their negative thoughts about loss or aging.”

Animals also benefit from being adopted by retirees, especially when seniors take in older pets. “These lucky animals go from the shelter to paradise. Retired adopters usually have plenty of time for a previously unwanted pet and form a lasting bond,” says veterinarian Dr. Kremer, who runs the nonprofit animal rescue organization Help Save Pets together with his wife.

Pets for senior citizens: How do I find the right pet?

Although the benefits of pet ownership are undeniable, there are also some drawbacks and consequences to consider before acquiring a furry friend for an aging loved one. Dr. Donnenfeld encourages seniors, family members and caregivers to have a dialogue about potential pet ownership before welcoming a pet into the family.

10 questions seniors should ask themselves before getting a pet

1. are you stuck in your habits?

“If your family member doesn’t like change, then they might not be a good candidate,” say the Hoffmanns. Adopting a pet usually affects a person’s entire daily routine.

2. have you ever had a pet?

Ideally, you should already have experience as a pet owner. This experience will help you to keep a calm head even in old age if your beloved pet is not doing so well. However, if you are open to a new and rewarding commitment, newcomers can also be great owners.

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 3. does the elderly person have any disabilities or functional limitations?

“Dogs can be wonderful companions who encourage older adults to get some exercise,” says Dr. Donnenfeld. But dogs can be a challenge for people with limited mobility. If taking a dog outside for a walk is too strenuous, low-maintenance pets like cats or birds might be a better fit. While these pets also require care, the time commitment is different from that of a dog.

4. would a therapeutic or emotional pet be beneficial?

If a person is very frail or impaired, they could be a candidate for a specially trained therapy dog to help them get around both at home and on outings. Otherwise, you should choose the pet, the four-legged friend that makes your heart beat faster and with whom you have already been able to build up a good emotional bond.

5. what is the best age for the animal?

A puppy or kitten may not be ideal for older people as they require intensive care and training. In addition, young pets may outlive their owners. It's important to remember that some animals, such as birds, have a particularly long life expectancy. On the other hand, an older pet may have their own physical limitations and illnesses, but they are usually already well trained.

6 Which temperament would suit seniors well?

It's very important to find out about the characteristics of different breeds and get in touch with potential pets to get a feel for their energy level and personality. Many older people may think they are better off with a Jack Russell Terrier because they are a small breed, but they are very, very, very energetic and require a high level of effort and commitment. While there are some general truths about certain breeds, each animal is unique.

7. is the pet healthy?

It is important that every pet is examined by a vet before being adopted. \"You don't want to compromise an elderly person's immune system, as some pets can carry diseases," says Dr. Hillestad, a veterinarian. Unhealthy pets can be difficult for older people to cope with both emotionally and financially, so a potential pet should be checked out in advance and treated if necessary.

8. one pet or two?

Although several pets can keep each other company, this may not be a good idea for older people. \"Two animals are more likely to bond with each other than with their owner," explains Dr. Hillestad.

9. how much does a senior pet cost?

Pets represent a significant long-term financial commitment. A small puppy can spend more than €700 on food, medical care, toys and grooming in its first year alone. A low-maintenance animal like a fish is less expensive, costing on average around just €200. Before you take an animal home, you should carefully check your current monthly budget for a pet.

10. is there an emergency plan for the pet?

It's not a pleasant thought, but pet owners also need to provide for the unexpected for their pets. What would happen to the pet if an elderly person had to be hospitalized, went into rehab or a cure, moved into a nursing home or even passed away? Our golden years can be very unpredictable, so it's important to have a contingency plan in place for our furry and feathered friends before an emergency occurs. Without such a plan, beloved animals could end up back in a shelter - this is also an emotional burden and imposition for the animal.

Where can you find a pet for seniors?

While breeders are a good source, adopting an animal from a shelter is usually much less expensive and has the added benefit of giving an unwanted animal a home and possibly saving it from being euthanized. Some shelters even offer discounted adoption fees for older animals and adopters over the age of 55.

Furthermore, the staff at animal shelters often know the personality of the animals well and can help with the placement. Nevertheless, it is advisable to get to know a potential pet personally in order to better assess its suitability. Be sure to ask your local animal shelter for advice on this option and speak to the staff. They usually appreciate this very much, as animal welfare and your personal well-being are very important to the staff.