Is It Time For a Pet? Considerations for Seniors
There are so many basic benefits of having a pet. Maybe you've had pets through the years and know well the perks of having a constant companion. Or, maybe you are living on your own for the first time and adopting a pet seems like a good idea.
Certainly, for seniors, there are even more positives to having a pet:
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced cardiovascular disease
- Reduced feelings of stress
- Lower cholesterol levels
- Improved overall health means fewer doctor appointments
- Increased sense of responsibility and alertness
- Reduced sense of loneliness
- Increased activity during the day
- Increased fun!
- Consider your lifestyle. Do you enjoy being outside or going for walks? If not, then a dog or other animal that would need to be outside may not be a good choice.
- Consider your health. Having a larger animal requires more physical strength and agility to handle it, so think about which type and size of pet would work best for you.
- Consider an older animal. A mature animal is likely to be calmer, which may be a good fit for a senior. Check out your local Humane Society, animal shelter or Purebred Rescue group for wonderful, loving and more mature companions.
- Who will care for the animal if you get sick or are away from home? Think ahead about who will care for the animal if you travel often, or if you become too ill to care for your pet.
- Can you afford food and veterinary care? The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has calculated the following average annual costs of pet ownership including food, toys, treats, medical care and licensing, if required:
- Fish: $20 (plus a fish bowl or aquarium, which ranges from $20 to $200)
- A small bird: $120
- Cat: $575 (plus the litter box and kitty litter)
- Medium-sized dog: $620
- Rabbit: $691
- Large dog: $780
As a senior, you may now have the time for or money to spend on a special pet. Seniors and pets have a lot to share with one another, such as their time, affection, and daily lives. For seniors, having a pet can be like a having a best friend. And, although a friendship with a pet can never replace a human relationship, it can certainly fill an older person's life with years of unconditional love.
If you decide to look into adopting a pet, be sure to take your time and consider all of the options before making a decision. The following links may give you more information.
ASPCA - http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer
The Human Society - http://www.hsus.org/pets/