The Power Pets Hold For Healing Older Adults

Every pet owner knows a little friend from the animal kingdom can be a huge source of joy and energy that can transform your life. Those playful, loving creatures enrich our souls, being by our side even in the toughest of times, while asking for nothing in return but the love we can so easily give.

Children and adults love animals and most of us couldn’t imagine our lives without them, but we rarely think of seniors with pets because we often assume animals need a lot more care and activity than older people can give. The truth is quite the opposite, however, and a pet can have a wonderful impact on an older adult’s life, especially if they are ill or are coping with a loss.

Here’s why seniors should consider adopting an animal of their choice to help them heal and enjoy life again.

The interaction that brings a smile to every face

Picking out a perfect pet for a senior who doesn’t find much joy in life is the best thing a person can do, as long as they consider the preferences and limitations of the person about to accept this gift.

Does this person need a playful pet who asks for lots of activities, or a calm, fluffy animal who just wants someone to cuddle with all day? If your choice is well-informed, you can create a “match made in heaven”, making grounds for a friendship that will last and leave a meaningful positive impact on the life of a senior you want to make happy.

Choosing a pet goes beyond finding the right species, though. This process must be based on research about different breeds and what they need to grow happy and healthy.

An obligation that doesn’t feel like a burden

A pet isn’t a toy, but a living creature that needs love, attention, proper nutrition, and playtime. This means that, no matter how independent, it will still need to be taken care of, which is an obligation that cannot be overlooked.

For seniors who are mobile and active, this probably won’t be a problem, but others might need a helping hand when it comes to caring for their pets.

Still, having things that need to be done to keep the little friend healthy and content easily becomes an obligation seniors love and feel happy about. It can even become a wonderful reason to get out of bed in the morning, knowing that someone needs and awaits care. For seniors who are in physical or emotional pain, having a sweet creature to look after can be a life-changing experience and a welcome distraction that can improve the quality of their life.

The therapeutic effects of pet ownership

Animals are extremely sensitive and can “sniff” everything humans feel, including fear, anxiety, pain, and happiness. It’s not uncommon to hear stories about pets who were there for their owners during extremely difficult moments, helping them power through and feel better afterward.

For older adults, having an attentive friend who’s always around can be especially beneficial. Pets can help with fight away loneliness and pain, reminding seniors that how they feel matters and telling them they will always be loved.

A reason to stay active every day

Not every senior can move around with the same vigor and ease, but some sort of activity during a day is certainly recommended for everyone. Depending on their routine and response to illness or trauma, some seniors can become recluse, barely leaving their home and getting the daily exercise they need, and this is where pets can save the day.

Having to look for a pet around the house, taking them out for a walk, or playing with them can, besides providing a distraction, also create a situation where an older person just has to stay active, which is great for both emotional and physical wellbeing.

Such activities can even lead to meeting other seniors who also have pets, which can also help with a senior’s social life.

A companion whose love knows no boundaries

People come into and  go out of our lives all the time, but a pet is with you forever, loving you honestly, patiently, and unconditionally.

Uk.bestessays.com and best essay writing service professionals specializing in trauma and social interactions emphasize that a relationship with a puppy, a kitten, or another animal while they are young can grow into one of the most important friendships a person can have in a lifetime, while the age of a pet owner plays no role in the process.

If anything, seniors are more likely to develop compassion and emotion for their little friends: having vast life experience of love and heartbreak, they are best equipped to understand and cherish a bond of pure emotion that knows no boundaries.

Justin Osborne is a writer at best essay writing service, he loves to share his thoughts and opinions about education, writing and blogging with other people on different blogs and forums. Currently, he is working as a content marketer at Uk.bestessays.com.