Does owning a dog increase the longevity of the elderly?

Answer 1

There is this thing called research and it has scientifically proven that owning a pet in general helps increase the loving and nuturing instincts and helps to keep them from being sad and lonely so yes it does increase the length of a senior citizen's life but so does helping make sure that they are kept active and don't just sit around doing nothing.

Answer 2

Hi, i would say yes. Having a dog or any animal gives them a companion. Someone they can talk too when they are on their own and someone who wont judge them. An animal will love them no matter who they are or what problems they have.

Studies have shown that elderly people with a dog or cat are less likely to need to be placed into a residential home. The animals gives them that need to get up and care for it. Alot of elderly people without pets will just sit around day in and day out. This eventually makes their moving abilities harder as their joints stiffen up and they become weaker.
Animals help to lower depression and stress.
Studies have also shown that elderly people having a pet have lower blood pressure. For many seniors who live alone and are sometimes sick and often withdrawn from society, pets are the best reason to get out of bed in the morning. The animals demand care, love, and attention, and meeting these life-affirming needs is good for both the caretaker and the cared for.

Answer 3

It appears to have a beneficial result. Of course, it's hard to tell if it increases the individual longevity of an elderly person, because no one knows what the life expectancy of an individual might be, but even being in contact with a dog or cat seems to help. There have been interesting studies done in senior care homes, with 'guest' dogs and cats brought in for the residents to play with, and some of the results have been remarkable. People who hadn't spoken for years began talking to their surrogate pets.
For the senior who lives in his or her own home, having to care for a pet might be beneficial in a number of ways - first just the physical activity that a pet demands - taking a dog for a walk, etc. And for the comforting presence of a living being in the house. Have you noticed how people always talk to their pets? So the pet is giving both mental and physical stimulation.
Also, pets have to be fed, which is a good reminder to seniors that they, too, have to eat. It's much too easy to subsist on a diet of toast and tea, but that doesn't do much for a person's general health. If one has to prepare a meal for a pet, there is an incentive to prepare a meal for oneself as well - if only to share a few leftovers!

Answer 4

Yes, but it doesn't have to be a dog, it can be any kind of pet. From what I have seen and experienced an animal gives the elderly something to love which loves back and all the love on both sides is unconditional. What more could we ask for? I have 6 cats and they give me more love than any member of my family ever has and no strings attached either.

Answer 5

i know they have done studies and all but what i have found that yes dog cats even fish help i think any one have a better life. for me i know i have to get up and feed the my dog and walk her. i have to go to the store to get her food. this gets me up and moving. when i walk her i have made friends and that has make my life better. when i am not feeling good she is there with those eyes that i feel say what wrong can i help and she gives me kisses.. this make me feel love and not alone. so in my life i feel i will have longevity because i own a pet.

Answer 6

Pets are generally very useful for people (regardless of age) who may be lonely, or spend a great part of the day by themselves. Dogs are especially very good, and one would do best by learning about the different breeds and their personalities - some dogs are very good with children, others with older persons, or have unique characteristics which are helpful to older persons. Check with the SPCA people, or search on the net for info on the different breeds. Dogs are good because it is said that 'they give unconditional love'. (It is said that "Dogs are generaally for people who like to receive love, and cats are good for people who like to give love.") It is this companionship provided by pets that helps the elderly to live well, and perhaps longer.

Answer 7

Oh yes, it definitely does. My wife and I both in our seventies, have owned dogs for over 20 years. We have 3 at the moment. We exercise them most days. It is a joy to be out in the fresh air with them. It is also terribly sad to lose them. I had to put my little foxyx to sleep a couple of weeks ago.He was only 7 but had an incurable ear disease. But boy did he make me feel young. He just wanted to play ball, and bring sticks etc, for me to throw. I miss him greatly.Dogs are so much more friendly than cats. And the best thing is they truly love you.

Answer 8

I absolutely think that it does-it decreases blood pressure, gets people out and about which provides exercise as well as an opportunity to socialize and for many who are alone in their golden years, owning a dog (or any pet) gives them a reason to go on and to take care of themselves. So many people who are alone feel that no one needs them or depends on them anymore and they lose the drive to take care of themselves. Having a pet reminds you daily that something depends on you and dogs show appreciation at every moment, whereas people seldom do. When you have a dog, you are never truly alone.

Answer 9

Definitely! Working with SPCA, we see how much a pet contributes to keeping elderly people happy and healthy.

I have to live long enough to outlive 4 Great Danes.

Answer 10

Owning a dog increases the number of turds in your vicinity, as well as the number of flies.

As for the elderly, give 'em a dog or a god or both. Who cares.