There’s no denying that the unconditional love of a pet can enrich any owner’s life. For seniors who are on their own or living in long-term care facilities, animal companions not only help stave off loneliness, but also help to keep them engaged and involved with life.
Making a house a home
The presence of companion animals at senior-living centers is becoming increasingly common as more facilities allow seniors to bring their pets with them when they move in, reports the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Some retirement homes have even adopted animals of their own, which allow the residents to interact with the pets without having to worry about the day-to-day responsibilities.
Pets can make it easier for older adults to socialize in their new assisted living homes, since the animals are usually outgoing and can provide topic of conversation. Taking the dog for a walk can also create a welcome excuse to get out and meet the neighbors. Meanwhile, those who have lost a spouse may find taking care of an animal provides a new sense of purpose.
Never too late to make new friends
For older pets in needs of homes, seniors can be a blessing. Unlike families, who are often in search of a new puppy or kitten, many seniors are happier taking an adult animal who may otherwise have a hard time finding a home. And it’s a mutually beneficial arrangement: older adults gain a new friend and someone to look after, while the animal finds a loving home with plenty of attention.
Of course, pet ownership can be costly, especially on a retirement income, but there are programs out there that can help with adoption costs. Purina Pets for Seniors, for example, works with shelters to provide free pet adoption for adults over 60. There’s also the PAWS Seniors for Seniors campaign in Washington, which helps older animals – usually over 7 years of age – find loving homes with seniors over 60.
Virtual pets need love too
Of course, not every senior is in a position of being able to welcome a new living creature into his or her life. For those who would like the benefit and interaction of a pet but are unable, for whatever reason, to look after an animal, companies like GeriJoy are working on virtual animal companions to fill that void, reports Business Week.
GeriJoy, which is expected to launch next month, is particularly aimed at helping residents in long-term care facilities. These virtual animals can offer a round-the-clock connection, providing touch and voice-based interaction with a company representative, through the use of a tablet device like an iPad. The virtual companion also makes it easy for family members to keep in contact and share pictures with the use of a special dedicated email address, which sends messages directly through the companion app.
The same company also offers Buddy Pet, an app for Android-based smartphones, which can be used by anyone interested in adopting a virtual pet of their very own.
Whether virtual or alive, pets bring joy into most anyone’s life. For seniors who may be struggling with loneliness, cognitive decline or living in a new, unfamiliar place, a loving animal could be just what the doctor ordered.
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