The subject of whether or not a senior or old person should have a pet is frequently questioned, and the answer isn't simple. There are several personal choices to be taken, and there is no right or wrong solution. It is absolutely up to the individual, but it does not negate the fact that there is data and study available to assist in making a decision. Approximately 62 percent of Americans own at least one pet, and many report favorable results, but what does this mean for the elderly? Below you'll discover some study on the issue as well as some of the most crucial questions to consider before getting a pet.

PROS OF Having A Pet

There are three basic ways that dogs may improve the lives of senior citizens.

For starters, having a pet encourages elders to be more active. According to a 2017 research, older persons who live in a community environment (such as assisted living) and own a dog walk 22 minutes more each day than their peers.

Another advantage is a stronger feeling of purpose. Seniors said that knowing their dogs rely on them motivates them to get out of bed in the morning.

Finally, dogs give a company, which makes seniors feel less lonely, especially those who have recently lost a spouse or other close friends or family.

Pets have also been related to a reduction in sadness and loneliness. Pets also assist their owners by making it simpler to break the ice and form new connections, as well as improving neighborhood social possibilities. Pets keep seniors busy by doing things like walking the dog or playing with the cat, as well as grooming, feeding, and providing water, and cleaning up after them.

There is anecdotal evidence that pets assist their owners' emotional and mental well-being in addition to the physical benefits. One of these advantages is that having a pet encourages elders to take better care of themselves. This involves sticking to a routine, as well as all that goes along with it in terms of sleep, food, and exercise. Pet owners also have higher mental acuity or sharpness than non-pet owners, owing to the combination of caring for another creature and frequently studying and reading about their unique sort of pet and the best ways to care for it.

CONS Of Having A Pet

Having a pet, however wonderful it may be, comes with certain disadvantages.

Pets may be costly, especially as they age. The expense of veterinarian care and any necessary drugs should be considered in addition to the continuing costs of feeding and grooming the animal. Seniors who bring their pets into an assisted living home may eventually have to pick between the pet and other required costs.

The majority of seniors who move into an assisted living facility do so due to a decline in their health or mobility. As a person becomes older, there's a good chance they won't be able to appropriately care for their pet. Feeding, grooming, strolling, and cleaning up after the animal can all become more challenging as the animal gets older.

Dogs that are used to living in a single-family house may respond differently when they are in close proximity to other animals and humans. If a senior's pet damages another person's property, harms another animal or injures another resident, they may be held liable. While not all animals may respond negatively, it is a possibility that should be considered.