Pets: Our Best Friends
Content Courtesy of the Forever Young Podcast with Christiana Egi and Cherrie-Marie Chiu.
Did you know that statistics show pet owners are likely to suffer from less depression than those that don't have pets? We are sure many already know, but having pets can do wonders for your physical and mental health! Pets, especially dogs and cats can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression ease loneliness, encourage exercise, and playfulness and even improve your cardiovascular health.
On our most recent Forever young podcast episode, we discussed the benefits of pet ownership and ways in which having pets enhance both your physical and emotional mood. Listen to the full podcast episode below:
Did you know that watching the fish in a tank can help reduce muscle tension and lower your pulse rate? Many people may want a pet to provide companionship over anything else. There are lots and lots of different types of pets. Many people have different sorts of pets like rabbits, lizards, fish, hamsters and guinea pigs, even spiders! Even birds can provide great companionship.
Getting a pet can help seniors find meaning and joy. As we age we tend to lose things that once kept us preoccupied and gave us a sense of purpose, like a job, family, or even the ability to do certain hobbies. Bringing a pet into your life can get a great sense of pleasure and boost your mood and morale. Older adults living with dementia enjoy different types of pet therapy, even with inanimate pets.
Pets also ease loneliness, and most especially dogs which will increase our need for exercise. This can substantially boost your mood and ease depression. Caring for your animal may help you feel needed. Pet ownership can also reduce social anxiety and build self-confidence for people that are anxious about going out into the world and meeting people. Pets tend to live in the moment, they don't worry about what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow.
Pets can provide valuable companionship for older adults. The responsibility that comes with taking care of a pet and the physical activities that come from having a dog are great. Not all pets are exercised or are high maintenance, but if you want to have a dog as a companion, it does take effort to train and take care of your dog. However, all the stressful moments are worth it when you see the benefits having a pet in your life will create!
One study found that when people with borderline hypertension had dogs, they were able to get better within a few months. Many dogs can create a great sense of companionship but they can also directly help in dealing with mental health issues as well. Pets, generally speaking, pet owners that are 65 years and above actually make fewer visits to their doctors. So not just does the apple keeps the doctor away, but pets actually keep the doctor away too!
Pets also provide structure and routine. It is the owner’s responsibility to take their dog on a morning or evening walk, allow them to get an adequate amount of exercise, and overall have a comfortable life. Having that responsibility can create structure in the owner's life leading to overall better emotional wellbeing.
Playing with your dog, cat, or other pets can also elevate serotonin and dopamine, which are your happy hormones, and causes you to relax. Pet owners have lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels, so their chances of developing vascular dementia are also lessened.
Having a pet definitely induces joy, as well as calm and relaxation. Some of the reasons for that are just the therapeutic effect of hugging them or having someone you talk to (like your goldfish). Pets can increase your exercise, help get you into a routine and provide companionship that can help prevent illness, loneliness, and even anxiety and depression.
Even the most low-maintenance pet is a major commitment and it has a cost associated with it. It is a lifelong commitment and although it can be a lot of work, it is very rewarding having a pet in your life who loves you unconditionally.
The Forever Young podcast is created and produced by Christiana Egi and Cherrie Marie Chiu. Produced and engineered by Elisse Hill. The podcast represents our opinions and those of our guests. The content should not be taken as medical advice. It is for informational purposes only. Please consult your health care professional for any medical questions. If you like our show, please tell your friends and leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts. New episodes are available every other Wednesday. Have questions? Email us at ourforeveryoungpodcast@gmail.com.
