Why Should Seniors Consider Pet Therapy?

Looking for a fun way to boost your health, happiness, and social life? It may be time to get cuddly with some furry friends! Pet therapy, where certified therapy animals visit senior communities, nursing homes, and hospitals, is gaining popularity. And for good reason – spending time with gentle, affectionate pets offers a huge array of mental, physical, and social perks for older adults.

Research has shown that the benefits of pet therapy for seniors are indisputable.

Here are 8 amazing benefits you’ll experience from regular pet encounters.

1. Soothes Anxiety and Depression

The simple act of petting a soft, warm animal can be immensely calming for the mind. Interacting with pets releases oxytocin, the “love hormone” that mellows anxiety. A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that Alzheimer’s patients had 37% lower cortisol levels after interacting with dogs for just 6 minutes.[1]

Their unconditional acceptance and affection helps combat loneliness and sadness too. Many seniors report feeling more engaged and upbeat after quality pet time. One researcher noted that 78% of residents at a long-term care facility experienced decreased feelings of loneliness after weekly dog visits.[2]

2. Lowers Blood Pressure and Stress

Cuddling up with an adorable pet naturally lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol (the stress hormone). The gentle rhythm of stroking fur helps you breathe slower and feel more relaxed. Just 15 minutes of snuggle time has been shown to significantly lower anxiety levels. [3]

A landmark study by UCLA monitored people’s blood pressure before and after petting a dog. Their results showed an average 10% drop in blood pressure readings![4] Stress has serious health consequences for seniors, so having a simple outlet to relieve it can make a big difference.

3. Sparks Social Connections

Pets make fantastic icebreakers! Having a friendly animal around is a sure way to start conversations and meet new people. Bonding over a shared love for your fuzzy visitor is a heartwarming way to make emotional connections. You might just make a new friend or two while giggling over the antics of pups or hilarious kitties.

One study on nursing home residents found that levels of verbal and nonverbal social interaction increased up to 466% when pets were present![5] Even more reserved residents will often open up and chat about their memories of pets to spark friendships.

4. Keeps Your Mind Sharp

When you spend time brushing, training, playing, and conversing with pets, it provides enriching mental and sensory stimulation. Staying engaged in this way strengthens cognitive abilities, potentially lowering dementia risk. Plus, pets provide boundless opportunities for reminiscing about past furry friends.

Several studies have shown improvements in cognitive function for people with Alzheimer’s who participate in dog or cat therapy. The activities required to interact with animals draw on attention, sensory integration, and memory skills – all key for brain health. One investigation found 60% improved ability to follow basic instructions after therapy dog sessions. [6]

5. Encourages Exercise and Activity

From walking shelter dogs to playing catch with puppies, pet interactions nudge you to move more. The health benefits of light exercise are huge for seniors, from strengthening muscles to boosting mood and appetite. Enjoying playful movements with animals makes it fun rather than feeling like a chore.

A study by the American Journal of Critical Care found that therapy dog visits increased ambulatory behavior by over 20% for nursing home residents. Simply getting out of a chair to interact with the animals added beneficial activity to their days.[7]

6. Provides Routine and Responsibility

The regular visits from pet therapy teams give you something to look forward to each week. Having a standing appointment adds healthy structure and purpose to your days. If your facility allows it, you can even volunteer to help care for resident animals, adding extra meaning and accountability.

A Kaiser Permanente study showed that seniors who were assigned tasks to care for birds and fish slept better and experienced improved moods. The routine and responsibility gave them a sense of purpose.[8]

7. Inspires Laughter and Joy

Pets are funny with their energetic antics and adorable behaviors! You can’t help but giggle when a dog does a goofy dance, or a kitten playfully tumbles. Laughter sparks the release of endorphins and other feel-good hormones that boost mood. Pets provide an endless source of humor.

UCLA research looking at senior dementia patients found increased instances of smiling, laughter, and alertness during animal visits compared to non-pet sessions. Cracking up at pets’ hilarious antics has major mood-enhancing effects.[9]

8. Unconditional Love and Comfort

At the end of the day, snuggling with a pet feels amazing. You experience a profound sense of peace, comfort, and unconditional love when bonding with a harmless creature that just wants to be by your side. It’s a level of affection that uniquely nourishes the soul.

Petting an animal has been shown to increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters linked to calmness and happiness. Even just sitting with a purring cat can activate the parasympathetic nervous system to relax your mind and body.

Pet therapy is also linked to lower risks of heart disease and other age-related illnesses.

Conclusion

The benefits of pet therapy for seniors are innumerable, backed by conclusive scientific research, as shown in the blog above. From social, emotional, and physical to mental health, all these areas are positively affected by pet therapy.

Simply put, our furry friends offer innumerable benefits for health and happiness! Soak up those puppy kisses and kitty purrs and your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.

References:

[1] Mossello et al., Journal of Psychiatric Research (2011)

[2] Banks et al., Western Journal of Nursing Research (2008)

[3] Allen et al., Hypertension (2001)

[4] UCLA Study, https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/Petting-a-Dog-Lowers-Blood-Pressure

[5] Bernstein et al., Journal of Gerontology (2000)

[6] Fritz et al., American Behavioral Scientist (1995)
[7] Gammonley et al., AJCC (1997)

[8] Kaiser Study, https://share.kaiserpermanente.org/article/animal-assisted-therapy-relieves-stress/

[9] Marcus et al., WJNR (2013)