Seniors need dogs in their lives. As a life-long animal lover, I find it hard to imagine not owning a pet or two. But many folks go through life – or at least their adult lives – not wanting the responsibility or the messiness of pet ownership. Eventually, they find themselves older, perhaps having lost their spouse, maybe retired, and lonely. Far too many seniors allow loneliness to sneak up on them without realizing that life has lost its meaning. Depression sets in, and quality of life disappears. The best solution for this problem might be a pet. A dog can accomplish what nothing else seems to do for a lonely senior.
If you or someone you know struggles with finding a purpose in life, consider the following points about pet ownership for seniors.
*Pet ownership contributes to better health. Pets give you a reason to get out of bed each morning. Studies show that older people who own dogs have lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure than those without pets. Perhaps that is because humans have a need to be wanted and needed and as we age, we often find ourselves floundering in life. Dogs need you to feed them, groom them, play with them and walk them. In short, they give you a reason to go on.
*Dogs make you exercise. Dog owners get off the sofa and out of the house because our canine friends require at least a couple of walks each day. The exercise will help keep you in good shape.
*Dogs improve your social life. Who can resist a tail-wagging pooch. As you and your pet walk the neighborhood, your pup will draw conversation from perfect strangers who can resist stopping to pet and speak to your dog. That opens doors for conversation for you, as well as the opportunity to make friends. It’s difficult to be lonely if you see and converse with your neighbors or other dog owners on a daily basis.
*Dogs provide companionship. Dogs are affectionate by nature, and many like to cuddle or at least lie close to their owners. Dog owners talk to their pets, just as though the dog will talk back. That may not happen, but I’d swear at times that Maggie understands exactly what I’m saying to her. Again, it is hard to feel alone when you have the company of a beloved dog.
*A dog will encourage you to follow a schedule each day. Pets expect to be fed at a certain time each day. When 4:30 p.m. arrives, our Maggie can be found sitting beside her food bowl waiting to be served and if I’m slow in reacting, she will bring the bowl to me. After her meal, she waits by the front door, ready for her walk. Sometimes, we older folks need a reminder that part of having purpose in our lives is keeping something resembling a routine each day. Dogs will certainly do their part to remind us.
If you don’t already own a dog and would like one, consider adopting an older animal. Our shelters are full of abandoned senior dogs who receive very little attention from people wanting to adopt. Save a life! Take home a deserving senior animal, and you will be rewarded with the kind of love and devotion that you thought was forever missing in your life.
