Seniors: How Getting a Pet Could Improve Your Health

Have you ever thought about getting a pet to keep you company in your golden years? Pets care about their humans in a wonderful, non-judgmental way. Just being around them could do wonders for your mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. And, despite what you might think, caring for them doesn’t have to be hard.

Below, Vivolor Therapeutics explores the health benefits of having an animal companion post-retirement:

It makes you less lonely

Many seniors become socially isolated. According to the National Institute on Aging, this can pose health risks like cognitive decline, depression, and heart disease. Having a pet can take away much of that loneliness. Pets can be there for you 24/7 when humans can’t.

 

You do more walking

Walking your dog twice a day is a great way to get exercise and exercise is wonderful for your brain.  Others who are walking or in their yards tend to interact with you much more when you have a pet.

You have extra socialization opportunities

Dogs require socialization, especially when they’re younger. Having a puppy can put you in touch with other dog owners in your area. You could even come up with a pet event (or join an existing one) for extra socialization. Some ideas from DogBreedCartoon are pet expos, pet grooming, and pet bakes.

 

Pets are emotional support

Have you heard of emotional support animals? The American Kennel Club says that emotional support dogs can ease a person’s anxiety, help them focus better, and generally make them feel better. Even without an official certification, all animals offer up emotional support.

Pets provide stress relief

Petting a furry animal does wonders for your stress levels. A cat’s purr is in the 20-140 Hz sound range, which is naturally soothing to humans. If the cat curls up on you when purring, the benefits are multiplied. Being around playful pets is also naturally uplifting.

Pets can make you feel safer at home

Having a fierce dog you could set on intruders can make you feel much more secure when you’re at home (and outside too). Then there’s the fact that animals can naturally detect disasters before they happen – and often warn their human companions in advance.

Is it hard to care for a pet?

That depends on the pet you’re getting. Some pets – like cats and birds – are naturally low maintenance. Others require some extra care. When it comes to dogs, the breed matters. Some dogs need to be walked several times a day, others only once. If you’re getting a puppy, here are some things to inform yourself about.

 

Make sure your pet is eating well

One of the best ways to take care of your pet is to ensure they eat healthy, nutritious food. You have to be careful when feeding your puppy. It’s a good idea to feed them air dried beef dog food. This is cooked slowly and then dried to retain maximum nutrients and flavor, as opposed to traditional wet dog food. Also, air-dried dog food is low in carbs and made with meat, so it’s packed with protein.

Make sure you eat well too

Your pet can help you become healthier – but you also have to look after yourself practically. Many people respond well to the responsibility of caring for their pet and feel more purpose in life because their pet is very dependent on them.  Having a self-care routine and eating solid, nutritious food is a must so you are healthy for taking care of your pet. You could take Vivolor Memory Support to ensure you get enough essential nutrients.

 

Conclusion

Pets can provide wonderful, lifelong, and non-judgmental companionship in your golden years. Being around them is good for your mental and emotional well-being, and making sure they get enough exercise ensures you get exercise too.

 

 

Written by Stephanie Haywood