Is it healthy for seniors to have pets?

Question

I have heard it helps with blood pressure , is this right?

Answer 1

It is healthy for people to have pets.

Answer 2

Right. There is research out there that has actually studied this and there does seem to be a positive effect to pet ownership. One thing to think about, however; is this situation a positive one for the pet involved. The senior pet owner needs to be able to care for the pet appropriately. Several seniors residents have pets in the Assisted Living where I work. As the res. gets more and more physically or cognitively impaired the pet care also goes down hill. Cat boxes don't get emptied, dogs and cats don't get fed on time or at all, water doesn't get changed....you get the idea. So, if you are thinking about getting a pet for yourself/a senior, please take this into consideration.

Answer 3

Yes it is healthy for seniors to have pets. It is a proven fact that it helps to lower blood pressure. That's why I took my dog to the nursing homes so the patients could pet her and hold her on their lap. They love to pet kittens/cats too. So if you want to help someone, go and visit a senior and make a new friend.

Answer 4

Yes, it can be very healthy. My mom never really wanted pets, but ended up with a cat. Mom has had 2 knees replaced and a hip, high b/p, r.a. and osteoarthritis, high cholesterol, diabetics, etc. I'm not sure if it wasn't for this little guy if she'd even get up some days, but she does to take care of him. She lives alone, so he keeps her company and she brags on him all the time. Everything he does is so precious to her and she thinks he's the greatest cat in the world. I know he's been good for her.

Answer 5

Yes, providing there are no medical impediments like severe allergies or others such as inability to care for the pets.

Studies have shown that caring for pets lowers blood pressure and also can improve mood and interest in life.

My mom lives in assisted living [alzheimers unit] and the facility has doggies and kitties that live there and roam the rooms providing much love to its residents.

I am a cat lover [love doggies too, just too lazy to take care of them]....In '95, I decided not to replace my former pets and to make it alone. I lasted all of three months!

I get my pets from the Animal Rescue League and have had the most adorable roomies who provide me with laughter, unconditional love and company.

It is really nice to come home in the evening and be greeted and to have to take time to care for someone else other than myself.

My 17 lb. Maine Coon cat, Tony is a real joy!

Answer 6

Very healthy for seniors to have pets.

Answer 7

Could be. I've always had low blood pressure (in fact, when I went to donate blood, they made me walk around the block and they took another reading before they would take my blood because the pressure was so low) and I've always loved and had pets.

During the first 20 years of our marriage, we had no pets at all, because we felt it wasn't fair to leave an animal alone while we worked nights. As soon as we retired, we adopted an entire litter of 3 female cats.

My blood pressure, while not as low as it was when I first started donating blood, is still on the low side of normal.

Answer 8

Totally true. It also gives the senior a reason to get up every day; something warm and loving to touch and talk to, and something to think about and plan for. A pet of some kind (preferably the warm, fuzzy kind) is a huge benefit to someone who lives alone.

Answer 9

Pets give us a reason to live. They are always happy to see us and are forgiving. All they want is love. They are very healthy for your heart and soul.

Answer 10

Yes, nothing wrong with Seniors, or anyone who truly loves, and cares for Pets, to have one. I totally agree. It does help with blood pressure, and I might add Stress.