The older people get, the more they lack companionship. This is often because they no longer have a living spouse, or perhaps all of their children moved away from the nest. This is why owning a dog is a great choice for people in their retirement years who are looking for a friend.
However, beyond companionship, a dog can offer all sorts of benefits to seniors. Here are some great reasons why getting a dog may be a good choice for the senior in your life.
Emotional Support
Everyone has bad days—that’s why we need to have someone to lean on for emotional support. Seniors can have a particularly hard time finding a cure for their loneliness, which is why a dog can provide unwavering emotional support. Often, when seniors get older, they experience feelings of isolation, which is why a dog can be their best friend.
The simple act of touching and cuddling a dog can trigger oxytocin, which are those feel-good hormones that don’t just make you feel happier but also less stressed in general.
Encourages Movement
One of the biggest concerns in seniors other than feelings of isolation is the lack of movement. When you have a dog, you have to take them outside if you hope to keep them healthy and also if you hope for them to “do their business.”
Regular exercise is possible thanks to taking your dog out multiple times a day. Even two 10-minute walks a day can make a significant difference in your overall health.
Enhances Mental well-being
Dogs bring a considerable amount of joy and laughter into your lives. After all, is there anything funnier than dog videos? Dogs are a natural mood booster, and help you feel happy and amused, even when days get tough. The responsibility alone of caring for a pet can significantly boost your sense of self and purpose in life. Studies show that people who interact with dogs regularly have lower blood pressure and lower cortisol levels, and they’re relaxed in general.
Provides Routine
Animals provide a sense of routine because they need to be looked after. They need to be fed at a certain hour, taken out, and also brushed and played with, this can provide a healthy routine to seniors looking for ways to fill their schedules and is a wonderful way to provide security. Even small breeds require a considerable amount of care and can contribute to a stable and predictable lifestyle.
Not to mention, going out for walks, and having a dog can encourage conversations with other people, encouraging connections and enhancing your social battery, which ultimately benefits you in every area of your life.
