Pets are a big part of many elderly lives, and many treat them as members of the family. People’s health and well-being improve when they have a pet as a friend. One nationwide survey of people aged 50 to 80 in October 2018 inquired about pets, reasons for owning or not keeping pets, and the advantages and disadvantages of pet ownership to a national sample from the University of Michigan. Here, are some of the results given below:
Involvement of older adults and their pets
Moreover half (55%) of senior citizens said they had a pet. Dogs and cats were the most common pets owned by pet owners, with 68% of pet owners having one of each. Only 16% had a tiny pet such as a bird, fish, or hamster. Pet owners that have more than one animal are the majority (55%). There was a significant difference in the %age of pet owners between the ages of 50 and 64 and 65 and 80.
A fifth (20%) of those polled said they care for their pet alone, while an overwhelming majority (80%) said they had assistance with pet care. About 53% of pet owners say that their pets lie in their beds with them at night.
A fifth (20%) of those polled said they care for their pet alone, while an overwhelming majority (80%) said they had assistance with pet care. About 53% of pet owners say that their pets lie in their beds with them at night.
What Role Do Pets Play in Therapy?
More than 80% of pet owners say their animals give them a feeling of purpose (73%), make them feel appreciated (86%), and help them have fun in life (62% ). 65% of respondents said that their pets give them a sense of belongings, while 78% of dog owners said that their pets keep them physically active.
60% of respondents said that their pets help them cope with physical and emotional symptoms (including distracting themselves from pain). 72% of pet owners who were single and/or had fair to the poor physical condition stated their dogs helped them deal with their symptoms. People who are single and in fair or poor physical condition are more likely to say that their dogs help them forget about their problems (43 % vs. 46 %).
Beneficial effects on pets
Many survey participants said that having a pet provided them with companionship and a sense of belonging.
Moreover half of the pet owners indicated they got the animal as a friend — and a somewhat larger proportion claimed their pet slept in their bed with them at night, as well. A whopping 65 % of pet owners agree that owning a pet makes them more socially connected.
A U-M School of Public Health assistant research scientist who helped develop the survey says: “Relationships with pets tend to be less complex than those with people and dogs are frequently a source of tremendous pleasure.” Also, “they make elderly people feel wanted and cherished.”
The difficulties of owning and caring for a pet
Even while the majority of pet owners had good experiences with their animals, there were a few negative ones as well. Around one-fifth (18%) said that pet care is a financial burden, and more than half (54%) said that pets make it difficult to travel or participate in activities away from home. Only 6% of pet owners put their health ahead of their pets, and another 6% claimed their dogs’ accidents led them to trip or fall and be hurt. More pet owners who were single (22%), as well as those in fair or poor physical health (26%), we’re inclined to put the needs of their pet ahead of their well-being.
At a later age, many individuals have the opportunity to travel and do other exciting activities in their spare time. Having a pet, however, may get in the way of such plans. People on a limited income may find it difficult to afford veterinary treatment, particularly for dogs with long-term health problems. Pet care may be more challenging for older people due to health issues or disabilities.
Conclusion:
Research in several well-respected periodicals and medical journals has shown that pet ownership has many health advantages, as can be attested by any pet owner.
People’s fitness, stress levels, and overall well-being have been proven to improve when they have pets as companions. Having a pet has many health advantages, such as lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, and reducing feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
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