3 Mental and Emotional Benefits of Dogs for Seniors

Dogs are wonderful beings, full of love, joy, and unbounded enthusiasm for life. Dogs have been shown to have many positive effects on people's health and that is especially true for seniors. In-care home services, such as those provided by Senior Helpers of Asheville, encourage dogs, if possible, as they help promote mental and emotional well-being in their patients and increase their quality of life. While dogs do require some caretaking, the effort is well worth it. Indeed, dogs can bring so much good to the lives of their owners. Below are just a few of the many ways that dogs can bring mental and emotional benefits to seniors.

Dogs for Seniors Help Increase Exercise

While it may not seem like exercise has anything to do with mental and emotional well-being, exercise actually is one of the most important things people, especially seniors, can do to boost their mental and emotional health. Taking a dog for a walk outside in nature has many benefits physically and mentally. For one, walking increases circulation which boosts mental health and helps keeps joints and muscles in good shape. For another, being outside can have emotional benefits from sunshine and fresh air. It also helps seniors in a neighborhood promote opportunities to see and interact with their neighbors.

Asheville has great weather, for most of the year. Thus, allowing seniors and dogs to get outside and enjoy exercise and social interaction. The caregivers of Senior Helpers of Asheville are happy to help encourage seniors and their dogs to take walks and enjoy exercise together, boosting their mental and emotional well-being in the process.

Reducing Anxiety and Depression

One of the most important benefits of dogs, in terms of mental and emotional well-being, is their ability to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. Seniors are particularly susceptible to anxiety and depression and having a dog counters that with positivity and love. People with pets have lower heart rates and blood pressure on average than people without pets. In addition, studies have been done that show that dogs help increase oxytocin in people, which is good for the mental and emotional well-being of seniors.

Petting dogs, along with having their company, moving around to walk and take care of them, and of course having them give love in return all help to reduce anxiety and depression and boost mental and emotional health in seniors. Moreover, Henderson and the surrounding area have great weather and many dog-friendly locations. This helps seniors and dogs to socially interact, which is another way to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress.

Creates Structure and Routine

Dogs love a good routine. They thrive on being fed, walked, and interacted with on a schedule so that they feel confident with their care. Having a balanced, structured routine has a calming effect on animals and it can have the same effect on seniors. In addition, having the motivation to get moving can cause great benefits to seniors' mental and emotional health. Knowing a pet needs them can create warmth, a sense of purpose, and a sense of self. Senior Helpers of Asheville can help seniors to maintain the routine that best benefits their dog and themselves while remaining in their homes where they are comfortable. 

Learn More About the Benefits of Dogs for Seniors

Dogs have many mental and emotional benefits for all types of people, especially seniors. Dogs can help to get them moving and get some exercise, which boosts mental health, reduce anxiety, and create structure and purpose in the lives of seniors. Senior Helpers of Asheville can help your seniors to establish a routine that benefits them and their pets. Moreover, Senior Helpers of Asheville can help seniors to enjoy their dogs and reap the mental and emotional benefits. Contact us to learn more.