Having a Dog Can Stave Off Illness and Depression in the Elderly
While these benefits extend to everyone, not just seniors, scientists have found that people who pet dogs have lower blood pressure, older adults who keep dogs are less susceptible to geriatric depression, which affects seniors as they grow less active and less socially connected in their retirement. (Source: Geriatrics Magazine)
Volunteering Seniors Health Benefits: Physical, Mental, Spiritual
It is easy for older people to become depressed and lonely as they age, especially if their spouse dies or they lose connection with the many people they spent time with as part of their professional careers or their extended families. A dog provides a source of unconditional love and friendship that can help act as a mental and emotional anchor for the elderly.
Dogs Keep Seniors Active, Sociable, and Purposeful
Not only can dogs have a positive effect on your physical health by helping stave off illness and depression, but having a dog also helps seniors to stay more physically active, which in turn can have many positive benefits for their physical health.
Dogs also help older adults stay sociable, and the daily routine of caring for the dog helps provide purpose for the elderly, who may otherwise become driftless in their behavior. A lack of routine is a major contributor to senility in the elderly, so anything that provides a sense of daily structure can help keep older minds sharp and clear. Exercising a dog each day with a walk can even help lessen the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. (Source: UK Express)
70 is a Great Age to Get a Dog
If you’re 70 years old and you’re on the fence about getting a new dog for your household, there are tons of reasons why you should seriously consider it. Not only can you provide a loving home for a homeless animal, but you will also gain many emotional and physical benefits from having a dog as a part of your household.
