The impact of pets on the ageing journey

Key Points: 

• Pets may provide emotional support, alleviating feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• The presence of pets could encourage regular physical activity, contributing to improved cardiovascular health and muscle tone.
• Interacting with pets may provide joy, laughter and emotional resilience, promoting a positive outlook on life.

Ageing is a natural voyage through life — a tapestry of experiences, challenges and moments of joy. In this journey,pets have likely emerged as a vital source of emotional support and overall wellbeing. The relationship between older adults and their animal companions can have profound effects on mental, physical and emotional health, enriching the quality of life during the golden years.

A source of comfort and joy

As people age, they tend to grapple with and experience emotional distress or isolation due to retiring, losing loved ones and staying home longer.

Having a pet, such as a dog or cat, can really help with finding friendship and happiness later in life.. Pets offer constant company and a real connection that takes away the feeling of being alone. Just petting a dog or holding a cat can release a special chemical in our bodies that makes us feel connected and less stressed, according to research. Studies show this chemical also helps people feel more emotionally secure and lowers the chances of being very sad or anxious.. 

Pets do more than just providing a chemical rush, as they give older people a routine and something to take care of. Doing things like feeding, grooming and taking a pet for walks may make older people feel a new sense of purpose, because, after all — a wagging tail is its own reward.

Staying active and happy

Having a pet is not only good for the heart in an emotional way, but it’s also good for the heart in a physical way. Pets encourage older people to be active, especially dogs that need to go for walks every day. Walking makes the heart and muscles stronger, whilst helping people meet others with pets, which can lead to making new friends and feeling like part of a group.

Studies show that owning a pet can help to lower blood pressure, cholesterol and keep the heart healthy. Just spending time with pets can even lower the risk of heart disease or stroke,which just goes to show how important pets are for staying healthy as we get older.

Keeping the mind sharp

Taking care of a pet is like exercise for the brain; it makes people think, solve problems and remember things. Teaching new tricks to pets, remembering when to feed them and taking them to the vet are all ways to keep the brain working.

Pets are also great listeners — seniors can talk to them, share stories and have conversations. This keeps the brain sharp and helps with talking and understanding others as well.

Bringing happiness and connection

Pets bring a lot of happiness, no matter how old we are. The fun things pets do, like a dog playing around or a cat purring, make us laugh and feel good. This positive feeling helps us look at life in a better way and makes us emotionally stronger.

As people get older, they might have fewer friends around, but having a pet encourages older people to go outside, talk to others and take part in activities. This helps make new friends and stops the feeling of being alone.

A great way to age well

As medicine and healthcare continue to evolve, it’s really important to take better care of ourselves. For older people who want to live a full and happy life, pets are a big part of that. Pets give constant company, unconditional love and benefit older people who feel like they belong and have a purpose with a furry friend by their side.

From stopping loneliness and sadness, to keeping the body and mind strong — pets are amazing friends as we grow older. So, let’s celebrate the special connection between older people and their pets. It’s clear that these furry friends make life better during the golden years.