As we get older, we tend to become more isolated. Especially now, due to quarantines and other social restrictions, we feel more alone than ever before.
Social relationships affect us on both a mental and a physical level. More than 30% of Americans older than 65 live alone, while 50% of Americans over 85 live by themselves.
Pets are vital for improving social connections and decreasing stress and anxiety in our older population. Many doctor’s offices, rehabilitation services, and outreach programs use animals to bring a higher level of interactivity to their practices.
A survey commissioned by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute and Mars Petcare found that an overwhelming number of respondents agree that pets can reduce loneliness, decrease social isolation, and improve their community.
Older people with pets tend to live longer and feel a greater purpose. They are also happier and have less episodes of depression.
The rates of anxiety have skyrocketed in recent years. It is proven that pets can help to calm us down and alleviate tension. They also allow us to meet other people with similar hobbies and interests. They help us to be more active and are always there to listen as we spout about the problems of the day.
As we are experiencing ground-breaking levels of isolation, pets have become a vital component of our everyday life. They provide us with companionship and support. They are always there for us at the end of a long day. They neither judge, nor discriminate, and always offer their love without asking for anything in return.
In many instances pets also give us a sense of purpose. Our pets rely on us for everything. They need to be walked, fed, kept clean and we always have to be watchful of their health and well-being. While caring for a pet is a lot of responsibility it becomes a way for us to get ever more emotionally attached and connected to them. It is easy to see how dependent they are of us, and in turn, how much we benefit from their love and presence. This giving and nurturing of your pet is an enormously uplifting and stimulating part of a pet parent’s relationship with their pet.
The world would be a much kinder place if we could see others as our pets see us every day.
Your pets ask nothing in return so one thing we can do for them is to keep them healthy by partnering with a veterinarian. Please make sure to have your pets examined by a veterinarian at least once a year for young pets and twice a year for seniors. At Vetsavers Pet Hospital, we make it easy for you to take the best care of your pet. Please call Vetsavers at 972-939-0900 for a free first exam.
