Clinical Studies Show Pets For The Elderly is more than a lovely idea. It substantially improves the happiness of seniors. Companionship of a pet is a medically proven and valuable therapy. BAKER MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE... BAKER MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE FINDINGS... Female pet owners ages 40-60 had significantly lower systolic blood pressure and tended to have lower plasma triglyceride levels. Male pet owners had significantly lower plasma triglycerides and plasma cholesterol as well as a lower systolic blood pressure. BROOKLYN COLLEGE... Co-researcher Dr. Aaron Katcher, M.D., reports: “The presence of a pet was the strongest social predictor of survival – for a full year after hospitalization – not just for lonely or depressed people, but everyone independent of marital status and access to social support from human beings.”
Do you exercise, watch your diet or take medication to
lower your blood pressure, blood fats and cholesterol
levels? If you do, maybe you should also get yourself New research confirms and expands earlier studies indicating a link between pet ownership and a reduced risk of developing heart disease. Results of a three-year study of 5,741 people at the Baker Medical Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia, show that pet owners had lower blood pressure and triglyceride and cholesterol levels than did non-owners – a result that could not be explained …Of the 3,394 men and 2,347 women engaged in the study, 784 reported that they owned one or more pets. …they showed significantly lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels, as well as lower A look at lifestyle risk factors also failed to turn up any evidence that could have While studies continue…pet owners can look at their animal companions with even greater appreciation for the ways they enrich their lives. “The Love That Cures “If this were a drug, it would be marketed tomorrow,” says Roger Lavelle, Vet. MB, a senior lecturer at the University of Melbourne 's Veterinary Clinical Centre. Dr. Lavelle isn't talking about the latest in high-tech surgical procedures, gene splices, implants or radiation treatments. He's referring to a study…that may add to medicine's dazzling
“Our Pets, Our Health” Many of us occasionally feel alienated from others and
some of us, such as the elderly…feel this loneliness
even more acutely. Pets can help bridge this isolation
Animals also give us a much-needed natural outlet for touching and cuddling – especially to those who live alone. So…the next time you find yourself tense or irritable, take a few minutes to play with your pet. You may find that animal companionship is a wonderful prescription for healthy relaxation! “In the Presence of Animals” Reviewing 25 studies on the effects of pets on elderly people in nursing homes…
Perhaps,” suggests Judith Siegel, Professor of
Public Health at the University of California at
Los Angeles, “pet ownership might provide a
new form of low-cost health intervention.”
Pets have been found to decrease loneliness in the elderly, give a person something to care for, something to watch and perhaps play with, something that provides a sense of security, something that stimulates some degree of exercise…above all, something that necessitates main-taining some kind of daily routine. Pets ease the advent of old age by diverting an older person's attention away from himself and onto the playful antics of a dog or cat. The aches and pains are momentarily forgotten. Pets are a source of ongoing life…they serve as a much needed connection to youth…a pet is the greatest ego booster in the world — they think you're the greatest! “Rx: Animals” Canines have been called upon for many years to be trained to help guide the blind and to assist the deaf in their daily interactions in a loud world. Other animals are helpers to individuals in wheelchairs who don't have strong arms.
Animals…are non-judgmental in their interactions with us when it comes to socioeconomic status or ability to gather material wealth. Most animals don't mind how a person looks, acts, sounds or smells. We all know that a positive attitude helps the healing
process – and every animal lover knows there's no
more positive feedback than the attention of an animal “Older Dogs, Older People Matched Up in Pet Program”
Adeline Lambert gets misty eyes when she thinks about her late pet, Mickey. The feisty but lovable pug died last year, leaving Adeline and Bill Lambert without a pet for the first time in more than a dozen years. The Lamberts turned to the Animal Rescue League…who matches old dogs, who may not otherwise be adopted, with people aged 60 or
90% of seniors polled say they are less lonely and much happier since adopting an animal. The dogs
can be of any age or breed, but most seniors like
small, older dogs…those that won't be adopted by
families with children. |
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“Does Pet Ownership Reduce Your Risk 
Lavelle is talking about pets. The study…makes
sensational claims for pets…the results are the
strongest evidence yet of a connection between animals and human health – one that has been
puzzling scientists for more than a decade…pet owners have significantly reduced levels of known
risk factors for cardiovascular Disease…pet
ownership helped not only the lonely or socially
isolated, but everyone.
With the growing number of elderly people living alone,
pets are especially important in increasing their interest
in life…pets give the elderly something to care for, as
well as providing an opportunity for exercise and socialization. Taking care of a pet can also serve as an alarm clock for elderly people – reminding him to take care of himself, too. In fact, animal companionship can dramatically improve the quality of life and may even have a positive impact on longevity. 
Elderly people who own pets also make fewer
visits to doctors than those who are without
animal companions, possibly because the
animals mitigate loneliness. 
Many elderly people have discovered that pets satisfy
their greatest needs, and trigger a reversal of many
negative self-images. According to Dr. Leo Bustad, “Pets restore order to their basic lives, provide a more
secure grasp of reality, and link their owners to a
community of caring, concern, sacrifice, and intense
emotional relationships.” 
…The results are undeniable…quality time spent with an animal can be used to manage behavior, stimulate memory, encourage muscle groups to work in harmony and much, much more. There are instances when an animal can reach an individual in ways that another human cannot. Acceptance and attention from
an animal can restore feelings of self worth and lift one
from the seat of despair, depression and boredom. 
The Lamberts found the perfect match. Nugget is a homely, over-weight, arthritic pug who the Lamberts love. “The minute I saw her, I knew she was my dog,” said Adeline… 
