Spending Time With Pets is Good For You!
Most seniors want to stay at home while they age, but social isolation is a common problem. A new survey done by a senior home care agency reports that one in five senior Americans reports feeling lonely. The survey concludes that seniors who own pets are healthier and happier!
Survey results found that senior pet owners cited stress relief, sense of purpose and exercise as leading benefits to owning a pet. Pet owners are also more likely to have lower blood pressure and pets have even been shown to aid in recovery after a heart attack.
Research also shows animal interaction can help perceptions of pain and discomfort, and improve motivation for treatment protocols for diseases such as cancer by helping individuals feel more focused and positive moving forward.
Seniors should be encouraged to be safe and happy in their own homes for as long as possible. That may include helping them with their pets, taking them to dog parks or visiting pet-friendly businesses.
And what about those seniors who want to move to a senior living community?
Eight-two percent of senior animal owners surveyed said they would not consider moving to a senior living community without their pet.
Some senior living facilities accept pets and almost all encourage visits from pets.
Call the Law Offices of Debra G. Simms at 386.256.4882 to learn more.
This blog post is not case-specific and is provided only for educational purposes and is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Blog topics may or may not be updated and entries may be out-of-date at the time you view them.
