Companionship is important to our quality of life and it comes in many forms – including that of a friendly animal! Caring for or interacting with house pets, like dogs or cats, has plenty of physical and mental health benefits that are particularly beneficial to older adults and people with disabilities. Animal companions also offer daily opportunities for connection that help keep their humans feeling supported and empowered.
Improved mental health
Have you ever seen or petted an animal, and immediately felt happier? Sweetness and cuteness aside, there is another reason for the positive feelings our furry or feathered friends cause. According to Psychology Today, spending time with a pet increases the production of oxytocin, a type of hormone (popularly known as the “love” hormone) associated with bonding, trust, and relaxation. This hormonal boost can reduce stress levels and anxiety, which are known risk factors for mental decline and dementia. Caring for a pet also requires various tasks, such as feeding, playing, and training – all of which can help promote mental engagement, problem-solving skills, memory, and overall cognitive function.
Improved physical health
There are lots of benefits to staying active and furry friends give the best excuses to do so. Some house pets, like dogs, usually need to be walked on a regular basis, which can be an effective reminder to help you get your daily exercise with them. Walking is a form of exercise that, when done consistently, can improve your overall fitness by improving heart health, ensuring regular movement, and keeping a healthy weight, according to the National Council on Aging. Caring for pets also encourages us to avoid long periods of sitting whether it’s bending down to refill a food bowl or playing a game of fetch in the park. These activities involve consistent movement that helps improve balance, coordination, and overall mobility.
Disability assistance
Did you know some animals are trained to assist people with disabilities? They are called service animals, and can make all the difference to your quality of life. The ADA defines service animals as dogs that are trained to perform a task related to a person’s disability – such as helping a wheelchair user retrieve objects, or reminding someone with a chronic condition to take their medication. Service dogs are allowed to be with their owner in places that usually don’t allow pets, including restaurants, planes, shops, and hotels. To register or receive a service dog, speak to your healthcare provider about the process. People also have pets that do not perform specific tasks but do provide mental health support with their presence. These are called emotional support animals (ESA), and can be any domesticated animal (e.g., dog, cat, rabbit, bird). To have your pet recognized as an ESA, you must have a letter from a licensed mental health professional stating that the animal is part of your treatment plan.
Your forever friend
Major life changes, like moving far away or experiencing health issues, can make it difficult to create or keep up social connections. However, as humans it’s important to stay connected for our mental and physical health. Both older adults and people with disabilities are more likely to experience isolation or loneliness, which increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and mental health issues, according to the CDC. Pets provide constant companionship and help combat feelings of loneliness by fostering consistent interactions and encouraging routines. Our pets can even give us a great reason to meet and talk to others—whether it’s during neighborhood walks, visits to the vet, or trips to the local pet store. These interactions with other community members can also add to your feeling of connectedness, which will improve your overall health, well-being, and sense of purpose.
