Why every over-60 should have a pet
Much has been written about the positive impacts pets can have on our health and how they can enrich our lives at any age, but as we grow older, the benefits of owning a cat, dog, or other animal companion only become better and more important – they could even keep you out of an aged care home. Here’s why.
As we enter our 70s, 80s and beyond, our lifestyles tend to become much more sedentary. No longer are we running around from work to the supermarket to dinner then to drinks, meaning a lot of the incidental exercise we do throughout the day (that is, the exercise we do without even realising it – think climbing stairs and walking to and from the train station) doesn’t happen.
For pet owners, it’s a whole different story. Owning a dog, for instance, comes with the responsibility of keeping them active. “People walk because they want their dog to get exercise, and without realising it, they get theirs,” Rebecca Johnson, nurse gerontologist and director at the Research Centre for Human/Animal Interaction, tells Next Avenue.
A recent study also found other welcome benefits of taking your pooch around the block. “Dog walking was associated with lower body mass index, fewer activities of daily living limitations, fewer doctor visits and more frequent moderate and vigorous exercise,” researchers concluded. Spending time with dogs also makes us less likely to get sick, more resistant to allergies, lowers heart rate and blood pressure.
But it’s not just our physical health that can benefit from a fluffy friend. The longer we live, the more hard times we inevitably live through, and the deaths of loved ones, illness and other bad news can be shattering for even the most mentally strong person. A pet is a wonderful companion during these rough patches, as they provide quiet, calming and completely non-judgemental support.
And dogs aren’t the only ones. 64-year-old registered nurse Beverly Roberts and husband George believe their Maine Coon mix Anthony and tabby cat Boots are equally as good as dogs when it comes to emotional support. “Cats are very independent, and sometimes you feel they’re the boss of the house,” she tells Next Avenue. “But they can sense feelings. They can be very aloof, but not to us. If we’re sick and in bed, they watch over us. And when they sit on your lap, you feel like your stress is being released.”
How has your pet enriched your life over 60? Share your experience with us in the comments below.