May is National Pet Month
Man’s best friend may be the secret to helping seniors feel their best.
Research has consistently demonstrated the physical benefits of pet ownership, but now the mental and emotional benefits are becoming more apparent. Specifically, pet-owning seniors may experience memory improvement, weight loss and an enhanced outlook on life.
According to a national Purina Senior PetLover survey of 514 pet-owning Americans ages 60 and older, 66% said their pets keep their mind active and their memory sharp. Forty-five percent said adopting a pet prompted them to undertake more physical activities like walking, while 26% of the women said they lost weight. And 84% of those polled said owning a pet makes them feel happier.
“Research showing the physical benefits of pet ownership for seniors, which includes lower systolic blood pressure and cholesterol levels, has been well documented over the years,” confirms veterinarian Steve Cohn. “However, seniors also benefit emotionally from pet ownership, which might not be as easily seen on the outside, but can greatly impact their quality of life and enable them to feel their best.”
In fact, 69% of senior pet owners said their pet makes them look forward to each new day, 55% said they see their pet as their playmate, and 71% of women said their pet keeps them energized.
Suggested Reading
- A Fitness Program for Pets (Part 1)
- A Fitness Program for Pets (Part 2)
- Natural Hand-Baked Dog Treats
- Healthy Treats for the Whole Family: Furry and Non-Furry
- Natural and Organic Pet Food, Treats and Accessories
- The Top 5 Benefits of Natural Organic Pet Food for Your Dog
- Go Fetch!
- Keep Fido and Felix Fit and Trim
Photo by Tom Gannam courtesy of Nestlé Purina
[...] If you’re one of our senior readers, you can nurture your organic spirit by adopting a pet. See last week’s article, Pets May Paws-itively Benefit Seniors, for a look at all of the health benefits associated with pet ownership. But choosing the right pet is very important. Be aware of the commitment required to care for a dog or cat. Here are some tips for finding the right companion: Think about why you want a pet. Identify your reasons for adopting a pet, which will help you define the type of furry companion that can best fit into your life. Consider an adult pet. Animal-care professionals advise adopting an adult dog or cat, as it may be a better fit for your lifestyle than a puppy or kitten. Adult animals tend to be calm, housetrained and less inclined to exhibit unpredictable behavior. Consider your home and lifestyle. Certain pets require more space and care than others. For example, if you live in an apartment, a small dog or cat may be your best bet. Along the same lines, if you want a pet that’s relatively low-maintenance, then adopt a short-haired cat or dog that doesn’t require daily brushing. Turn to your local animal shelter. Adopting from a shelter has many advantages. Besides having a great selection of adult animals for adoption, many organizations provide a special program or discounted adoption rates for seniors. Many shelters across the country participate in the Purina Pets For Seniors program, through which seniors age 60+ can adopt at a reduced rate. “We know pets can enrich the lives of people of all ages, and studies continue to show animal companions improve the human mind and body, especially in the elderly,” says veterinarian Steve Cohn. [...]
[...] Pets May Paws-itively Benefit Seniors [...]