Man's best friend
may be the secret to helping seniors feel their very best, so they can
continue to enjoy living life to its fullest.
Research showing
the physical benefits of pet ownership for seniors has been well-documented
over the years, but now the mental and emotional benefits are becoming
even more apparent. Specifically, pet-owning seniors may experience an
improvement in memory, an increase in weight loss and an enhanced outlook
on life, which proves the power that pets have on their minds and bodies.
According to a national Purina(r)
Senior PetLover survey of 514 pet-owning Americans, ages 60 and older:
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66 percent said their pet keeps
their mind active and their memory sharp.
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Almost half of those surveyed
(45 percent) said that after adopting a pet they started spending more
time doing physical activities like walking and 26 percent of the women
said they lost weight.
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84 percent of those surveyed
stated owning a pet makes them feel happier.
"Research showing
the physical benefits of pet ownership for seniors, which includes lower
systolic blood pressure and cholesterol levels1, has been well-documented
over the years. However, seniors also benefit emotionally from pet ownership,
which might not be as easily seen on the outside, but can greatly impact
their quality of life and enable them to feel their best," says Steve Cohn,
DVM, a Purina Pets For Seniors veterinarian.
Seniors Get
Up and Get Moving for Pets
Although constant
companionship is the best aspect of owning a dog or cat according to 88
percent, seniors also see other benefits of pet ownership that include
a positive outlook on life and a renewed interest in being active.
In fact, 69
percent of senior pet owners said their pet makes them look forward to
each new day and that's the same positive attitude that contributes to
a more active lifestyle. Pet ownership provides a powerful incentive for
seniors to get moving because they know it's good for their health, and
it's another way to interact with their pet.
For example,
seniors acknowledge their pet is their companion, but 55 percent of those
surveyed said they also see their pet as their playmate, and so the simple
act of playing leads to more vibrant seniors. Even more, 71 percent of
the women said their pet keeps them energized, which is a great reason
for people of all ages to consider adopting a pet.
Pick of the
Litter - How to Find the Right Pet for You
For seniors,
choosing the right pet is a very important decision that involves a lot
of considerations. Before adopting a new furry companion, seniors need
to be aware of the commitment that goes into caring for a dog or a cat.
Pets require
lots of attention, so seniors need to be sure they can devote the time
and have the means to care for a four-legged friend, both physically and
financially.
If you are a
senior or know someone in your life that might benefit from having a pet
at home, below are some tips for choosing the right companion:
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Think about why you want the
pet. It is very important to identify your reasons for adopting a pet because
they can often tell you what type of furry companion could be the best
fit.
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Consider what kind of pet to
adopt. Animal care professionals advise seniors to consider adopting an
adult dog or cat, as they may be a better fit for their lifestyle than
a puppy or kitten. Adult animals tend to be calm, housetrained and less
inclined to exhibit unpredictable behavior.
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Consider your home and your
lifestyle. Certain pets require more space and more care than others. For
example, if you live in an apartment, then a small dog or a cat may be
your best bet. Along the same lines, if you want a pet that is relatively
low-maintenance, then adopt a short-haired cat or dog that doesn't require
daily brushing.
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Turn to your local shelter.
Adopting from a shelter has many advantages; besides having a great selection
of adult animals for adoption, many organizations may provide a special
program or discounted adoption rates for seniors.
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Check with your local shelter
to see if it has a senior program. For instance, lots of shelters across
the country participate in the Purina Pets For Seniors program where seniors
age 60+ can adopt at a reduced rate.
Visit www.purinapetlover.com
for a list of participating shelters to see if one is in your area.
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Copyright
2007 by United Press International.
All rights reserved.
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