4 Mental and Emotional Benefits of Senior Dogs
Seniors frequently experience feelings of isolation and loneliness. They may not engage in pursuits they used to enjoy in their younger years and have to spend more time at home, perhaps even being immobile. This is why they find great companionship in pets such as senior dogs.
Dogs keep retirees busy and occasionally require regular walks that get their owners up and out of the house. In this post, we discuss the top four rewards that petting a dog can offer an elderly dear one.
1. Physical Exercise
Walking is the leading form of recreational and physical activity for people aged 60 years or above since it is self-paced, simple and effective, and equipment-free. A dog could help a senior have greater motivation to go on such walks. Besides, reduced body mass indexes, fewer doctor appointments, more regular exercise, as well as a boost in social connections are all linked to dog walking amongst seniors.
Regular walks and other forms of exercise frequently result in lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, which eventually helps to curb diabetes and heart complications. Besides, this might aid in lowering blood pressure and stress levels, which are common amongst seniors. Some studies even suggest that petting a dog, which causes an automatic release of relaxing hormones, can minimize a senior's need for medications.
2. Senior Dogs Helps To Ease Loneliness
Our bodies naturally release dopamine, a "feel good" compound, when we pet an animal. This hormone helps to lower distress and foster a sense of connection. Conversations with others while walking a dog in the park or on the street are also common. Besides, who does not love having a four-legged friend that they can talk to whenever they want?
For a senior whose partner or friends and relatives have passed on, living alone might be depressing. Senior dogs may be an excellent addition to the home in these situations. They are present-oriented and devoted to their owner. Dogs always delight in being with their master and won't make judgments.
3. Offers a Sense of Safety
Most elderly individuals, particularly those who live solo, find it difficult to leave their homes during the night or to go out since they feel weak or defenseless. However, many admit that they feel at ease and secure when they have their dog accompanying them. Therefore, with a dog, they may sleep peacefully and enjoy themselves in the park, for instance.
4. Helps Build a Routine and Provide Purpose
Some seniors find that keeping a pet provides them a sense of direction and a routine, particularly those living alone and those with active social lives.
Often seniors discover that without a job or a family to cater to, they feel a little hollow after retirement and with their grown children absent. So it could be challenging for them to lead a true, meaningful life. Senior dogs are reliant on their masters for exercise, sustenance, and company. Therefore, a dog may aid an elderly person in developing a routine that gives their day's direction and a true feeling of purpose.
Let Senior Helpers Lexington Help to Take Care of Your Loved One
At Senior Helpers Lexington, we have the best in-home senior caregivers in Lexington. Our senior care staff offers in-home care solutions for those with Alzheimer's, dementia, Parkinson's, and other chronic illnesses. This stretches from offering companionship for seniors that require daily help to intensive specialist services. If you are around Lexington and need our caregiver services, contact us right away for more details.