Discover the Health Benefits of Dogs for Seniors

Senior Care in Palos Verdes CA

Owning a dog can bring plenty of affection and fun, but you may be surprised to find that a dog can offer some excellent physical and mental health benefits to elderly individuals. Dogs have the ability to ease loneliness, reduce depression, lower stress, and encourage more exercise. Here’s a closer look at why you may want to consider getting your elderly loved one a dog.

Improvements to Health and Mood

Dogs are known as “man’s best friend” for a reason. They’ve become extremely attuned to humans, their emotions, and their behavior. Although dogs bring the obvious benefits of sharing life with a companion, you may be unaware that they can have some mental and physical health benefits for seniors, particularly those requiring in-home care. Recent studies have shown:

• Ownership of dogs can help to reduce the risk of heart disease
• Dog owners have a lower risk of depression
• Dog owners have lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides
• Owning a dog can help to reduce blood pressure
• Elderly pet owners are less likely to need to visit the doctor
• Spending time with a dog can increase levels of dopamine and serotonin, resulting in relaxation

Dogs Aid in Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Not only does dog ownership offer some great health benefits of those requiring senior care, it also can help seniors make healthy lifestyle changes. By making healthy lifestyle changes, seniors often see a decrease in the symptoms of stress, depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. Owning a dog can help seniors requiring elderly care to make healthy lifestyle changes in several ways, including:

• Offering Companionship – The companionship seniors enjoy when having a dog can help increase longevity and prevent illness.
• Increases Exercise – Having a dog may also encourage seniors to get more active, taking time to play with the dog or walk the dog.
• Adding Routine and Structure – Dogs need regular exercise and meals, and owning a dog can help to add some routine and structure to a senior’s day, which can be beneficial to seniors.
• Reducing Anxiety – Dogs help to ease anxiety, provide comfort, and improve self-confidence, which can help seniors to appreciate living in the moment.
• Great Stress Relief – Movement and touch both help with stress management. Simply petting a dog has the ability to calm emotions, reduce stress, and lower blood pressure.

Specific Benefits for Seniors with Dementia or Alzheimer’s

For seniors suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, having a dog in the home can have some very specific benefits. For example, having a dog may help to reduce stress, resulting in fewer outbursts. Dogs also offer a great source of nonverbal, positive communication, soothing seniors and resulting in a decrease in aggressive behaviors. Having a dog in the home can also help to reduce the stress of home caregivers and senior care professionals, resulting in improved care for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

If you or an aging loved one needs senior care services in Palos Verdes, CA, call Livewell Private Care at (310) 933-4986.  Servicing Los Angeles, CA and the surrounding areas.

Source
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotional-health/the-health-benefits-of-pets.htm

https://www.healthwaysfit.com/article/health-benefits-of-pets-for-seniors

http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/health-benefits/index.html

http://www.retirewow.com/health-benefits-of-pets-for-seniors/