Dog ownership for the aging adult has been shown to reduce feelings of depression, loneliness and other emotions that come from dealing with grief and loss. There are also physical benefits because having a dog encourages more activity resulting in lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and greater mobility.
Dog Ownership and Emotional Benefits
Dogs have been recommended as companions for aging adults to help them through the losses that come with elderhood. Having a dog often reduces feelings of stress, a sense of loneliness, dealing with grief, and lessening depression which may make the aging adult less vulnerable to suicide A dog can also increase feelings of personal security.
Dog Ownership and Physical Benefits
Dog ownership has been shown to lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. Aging adults often get more exercise, and as a result, may be more mobile. Studies have shown that dog owners who walk their dogs are more likely to walk, walk further, and walk more often than those who do not own dogs. It regularly increases their activity during the day in providing care for the dog.
Dog Ownership and Bonding
Dog ownership creates a bond in much the same way as humans bond to each other. They share affection and attention. In its fifth annual survey, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), found that 80 percent of respondents selected companionship as the major reason for having a pet. In addition, 55 percent consider themselves as mom or dad to their pets or consider them family members.
Dog Ownership and Human Interaction
Interaction with a pet dog is not a substitute for people-based relationships. In a study reported in April 2008 issue of the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships by Lawrence Kurdek, a psychologist at Wright State University in Ohio, it was noted that “people strongly attached to their pet dogs do not turn to them as substitutes for failed interaction with humans.”
There is increasing evidence that having a dog provides the kind of companionship that is often lacking in the life of aging adults. Among the most important is being needed and the interaction that takes place between the pet and its owner. The affection shown to the owner by a dog may be one of the most endearing traits to alleviate the loneliness that often comes with the losses that are part of the lives of aging adults.
Sources:
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, September 2006, Vol 54, Issue 9.
Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. April 2008
 |
