In today’s busy world, we find ourselves lost in our own lives. Because of many people’s lack of time, many elderly people are getting less attention from others. Thankfully, there are organizations that assist in making today’s elderly feel like they have a place in this world.
Within the past 10 years, animal therapy has become a popular therapeutic option for many. Take my granddaughter for instance. While working at an assisted-living facility, she witnessed the positive outcome of animal therapy. She told me that of all the activities, animal therapy is the one that brought out the most residents. The answer lies within each person, but if I had to guess, I would say it’s because animals provide a constant source of comfort and focus for attention. They make us feel safe and accepted, which is really what each of us strives for.
Visiting with animals can help people feel less lonely and less depressed. Visits from dogs can provide a welcome change from routine or the renewal of old friendships. People become more active and responsive during and after visiting with animals.
An animal visit can offer entertainment or a welcome distraction from pain and infirmity. People often talk to the dogs and share with them their thoughts, feelings and memories. Animal visits provide something to look forward to. Stroking a dog or cat can reduce a person’s blood pressure. Petting encourages use of hands and arms, stretching and turning.
The pet makes it easier for two strangers to talk. It gives people a common interest and provides a focus for conversation. Many people in hospitals or group homes have had to give up pet ownership, and they miss the casual acceptance a pet gives them. A dog pays little attention to age or physical ability but accepts people as they are. The benefits continue even after the visit. The visit leaves behind memories not only of the visit but of past experiences. It offers something for people to share.
Research has shown that heart attack victims who have pets live longer. Even watching a tank full of fish may lower blood pressure, at least temporarily. A study of 92 patients hospitalized in coronary care units for angina or heart attack found that those who owned pets were more likely to be alive a year later than those who did not. The study found that only 6 percent of patients who owned pets died within one year compared with 28 percent of those who did not own pets.
Research has shown that pet ownership can:
•Reduce stress-induced symptoms. In a study, people undergoing oral surgery spent a few minutes watching tropical fish in an aquarium. The relaxation level was measured by their blood pressure, muscle tension and behavior. It was found that the subjects who watched the fish were more relaxed than those that did not watch the fish prior to surgery.
•Cut the need for medical care. A study conducted at the University of California-Los Angeles found that dog owners required much less medical care for stress-induced aches and pains than those without dogs.
•Add years to your life. In a study conducted at City Hospital in New York, heart patients who owned pets were significantly more likely to be alive a year after they were discharged from the hospital that those who didn’t own pets. A pet’s presence was found to boost the survival rate more than having a spouse or friend.
Some point out in this connection that pets can be a source of stress to some people. They may worry who will take care of their pets after they die. In most cases, however, the need to take care of the pets gives a reason for living to many terminally ill patients, prolonging their life.
If you are still uncertain how you feel, take this into account. Research has shown that people who own pets have a long life span. Simply owning a fish tank can be a good source of stress relief for some. In a nursing home or assisted-living setting, it can boost self-esteem and social functions.
I suggest finding local pet therapy programs and getting them involved in your loved one’s life. If your loved one lives at home, contact your local shelter or rescue organizations to see if there might be an animal that might be a good fit. It could, after all, save two lives.
By Rosemary Isom Vintage Visions
