According to insurance comparison site The Zebra, 74% of pet owners believe their mental health improved after getting a pet. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT), can help lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension or ease anxiety.
As emotional support for seniors, animals can improve an older adult's mental and physical health. More senior living communities are offering pet therapy on-site, allowing seniors to experience these health benefits firsthand.
What exactly is pet therapy for the elderly, and how can it benefit you? Read on to find out.
Pet therapy for the elderly involves guided interactions between seniors and trained animals. These animals, usually cats and dogs, are selected for their gentle temperament. They're trained to provide seniors with companionship and comfort.
Each animal-assisted therapy session is conducted under a healthcare professional's or trained handler's supervision. The goal of these sessions is to create an uplifting or calming environment, which can improve a senior's overall well-being. Sessions can involve:
Though animal therapy usually involves cats and dogs, some cases include horses, hamsters, and guinea pigs. The type of animal used can depend on the therapist and patient's goals.
These sessions allow a bond to form between the senior and the animal. Pet therapy benefits seniors with physical, emotional, or mental illnesses.
It can also be fun and entertaining for seniors. You can check your senior living community's activities calendar to determine when sessions are available.
There are different kinds of pet therapy. Ownership therapy is ideal for seniors who are active and able to take care of a pet without help. These seniors are responsible for walking, grooming, and feeding their pets.
Animal-assisted therapy is more formal. It's ideal for seniors who require extreme treatment. Seniors are paired with sensitive animals that can help boost their confidence and nonverbal communication.
Animal-assisted activities are less formal than AAT. It involves general activities alongside animals for the purpose of company and comfort. Activities can include hiking, walking, or shopping.
Visitation therapy involves owners or handlers who travel to healthcare facilities or homes to facilitate informal visits.
Spending time with animals can offer mental, physical, and emotional support for seniors. According to the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, pet owners say pets help them:
Pet-assisted therapy allows seniors to experience these benefits without taking full responsibility for an animal. Here are some more benefits you may experience as you engage with pets in senior living communities.
Animals can offer unconditional love, which can provide older adults with immense emotional support. This may be beneficial to seniors who are navigating the loss of a partner.
Interacting with animals can help reduce stress and anxiety. Petting an animal can lower cortisol levels while increasing serotonin. This will reduce feelings of stress while promoting feelings of happiness.
According to a study published in Acta Biomedica, seniors who interacted with animals experienced:
Animal-assisted therapy may help improve long-term memory by stimulating previous memories. It could also satisfy basic human needs, including feelings of affection and attention. After interacting with dogs, seniors smiled and were more willing to communicate.
The study found that interacting with animals effectively reduced social isolation. According to the National Institute on Aging, social isolation and loneliness are associated with higher risks for:
Spending time with animals can alleviate feelings of loneliness. This companionship can mean emotional support for seniors.
Playing with animals can improve a senior's life satisfaction, self-esteem, and energy. This may improve a senior's outlook on life, especially if they're bored of their current routine.
Pet therapy benefits our physical health by:
Spending time with animals may help lower your blood pressure. This could promote improved cardiovascular health. Pet therapy may help reduce a senior's risk of stroke or heart disease.
Sessions can encourage movement, including brushing a pet's fur or playing with toys. These activities can improve fine motor skills. The animal's calming presence can distract seniors from chronic illness symptoms, providing natural pain relief.
Pet therapy may help patients who are experiencing cognitive decline due to Alzheimer's or dementia. Mentally stimulating activities may enhance a senior's memory. Interactions could trigger happy memories and encourage seniors to talk about past experiences with animals.
These sessions may encourage seniors to focus. Mindfulness may help improve a senior's focus and attention.
Interacting with animals, such as feeding or playing with them, may engage a senior's cognitive functions. This can encourage and enhance problem-solving skills.
According to a study published in Preventive Medicine Reports, dog owners had a lower risk of dementia than non-dog owners.
Another study considered the impact of pet ownership on the daily activity function of patients with Alzheimer's. It determined that pet owners had significantly better daily function and slower disease progression than non-owners.
Pet therapy for the elderly can offer physical, emotional, and mental health benefits. Seniors can enjoy calming interactions, avoid the dangerous effects of isolation, and bond with a furry friend. You can experience these pet therapy benefits firsthand by visiting your local senior living community.
Look no further than Bell Oaks Place Assisted Living. Our senior living community in Newburgh, IN, offers engaging activities, including pet therapy, that support the overall health and happiness of our residents.
Enjoy our individual care plans designed to meet each resident's needs, comfortable living options, and coordination of care. Contact us now to schedule your tour.