Aging comes with its own set of challenges. You might not be as nimble. Energy levels may drop. Shedding is also incredibly common as you get older. All of these changes can affect body and soul.
As such, it is important to seek specialist care. That being said, you can also make changes in your personal life to accommodate some of the changes associated with aging. Most turn to self-care or healthier eating, but have you ever thought about how a dog could help?
Maybe you already have an older dog at home, but you don’t really appreciate how much he can help you. Or maybe you always wanted a dog but never took the plunge. You may find that you have a lot in common with a senior dog, and when you realize that, you’ll also begin to see how much he can help you find comfort through the aging process.
The risks of aging
We probably don’t need to tell you about all the aging issues. If you’re reading this, you may be feeling your fair share of it right now. But understanding some of the mental and physical health risks that increase with age can help you prepare and prioritize your health. Some of these risks include:
- Hearing loss;
- Cataracts;
- Diabetes;
- Back and neck pain;
- Arthritis.
It is also not uncommon for aging people to have mental wellbeing issues, including an increased risk of developing depression. This increased risk can be attributed to many risk factors related to an aging lifestyle, the most important being loneliness and isolation. Isolation has even been linked to a lower death rate.
An older dog cannot completely erase existing health issues. However, they may be able to address some of these risk factors that can affect your mental and physical health.
How a Furry Companion Can Help You
First, aging animals make excellent companions. We’ve focused on dogs a lot here, but older cats can be great friends too, especially if you have a cat that wants to spend all of its time curled up with you. Whatever type of pet you have or decide to get, let it “do its magic” when it comes to combating loneliness.
Helps reduce stress
A pet can also help you cope with all of life’s stressors. For example, it is not uncommon for older people to downsize, especially after retirement and during the “empty nest” period when the children have moved away. Downsizing can be a stressful process, but it can also require you to change your lifestyle, or even remind yourself that you are no longer around the people you once were.
A pet can help you through these changes. They will stay with you through everything, so even if your life seems to be turned upside down, they will remain a constant in your life. That alone is incredibly comforting and can make any major life transition much more manageable.
Improve mental health
Your furry friend can also help improve your mental and physical health just by being there. They can improve mental health and encourage you to stay more active. An older pet probably won’t want to run a mile every morning (luckily), but they’ll be happy to run around the block, which can also help keep you moving.
Helps create a safe environment
Finally, a pet can inspire and encourage you to be more creative by providing a safe environment for you to be yourself. Creativity is extremely important for older people. It helps with everything from problem solving to communication. It can also keep your mind sharp, which is essential for preventing symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia later in life. Your pet can help encourage creativity by “forcing” you to spend more time in nature, socialize, or just feel calm enough to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
We could talk about the benefits of pets for seniors all day, especially senior pets. But, every pet owner relationship is unique. If you already have an aging pet, you’ve probably experienced personal benefits that you can’t begin to explain. If you don’t have a pet yet, don’t let your age keep you from exploring your options.
It’s never too late to have a pet
You’ve probably heard of the old adage that you shouldn’t teach an old dog new tricks. Whether or not that’s true doesn’t really matter when you’re looking for a canine companion. Unfortunately, this preconceived idea about older dogs is often reflected in the shelter – adoption rates for older dogs in shelters are significantly lower than for younger animals. It’s heartbreaking to think of a dog living out his golden years in a kennel without getting the love he deserves every day.
Sadly, far too many people don’t see the benefits of adopting an older dog, but there are plenty.
If you’re considering getting a pet, but are concerned that your own age will make it difficult to track a puppy, consider adopting a senior dog. Some of the benefits include:
- They are more likely to be domestic and trained;
- They are more laid back;
- Less energy;
- They require less supervision;
- They appreciate your love.
Senior pets just want to be loved like everyone else, but if you move at a slower pace or don’t have the time or energy to care for a puppy, you might find that an older dog is more “your speed”. Plus, most older dogs are already socialized, so even if you want to take them to the park or for a walk around the neighborhood, you probably don’t have to worry as much about them pulling on the leash or becoming aggressive with other dogs. ‘others. animals.
It’s never too late to consider the benefits of simply having a four-legged friend in your home. Take the time to appreciate all they do, all they give and the unconditional love they provide.
Guest author:
Charlie Flecher
Charlie Fletcher is a freelance writer and pet parent from the charming “city of trees” – Boise, Idaho. Her love of writing goes hand in hand with her passion for animal rights and her search for truth. You can find more of his writings on his content.
