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Pet therapy is a non-pharmacological therapy that incorporates an animal, often a dog or cat, as part of a therapeutic approach. Pets can help people struggling with various illnesses while providing fun and entertainment for everyone around them. Furry companions have been known to reduce stress, improve social engagement, and even support physical health. Interacting with animals can be especially beneficial for seniors.
Pet Therapy Benefits
Animal-assisted therapy can have numerous mental and physical benefits for older adults. Many studies have been conducted on the benefits of human and animal interactions. These studies have found seniors who interacted with pets had improved memory functions, decreased depression, and increased motivation to be physically active, among other benefits. Here are five compelling benefits of pet therapy for seniors that show why this unique approach continues to grow in popularity.
1. Decreased Anxiety
Diminished anxiety is one of the most notable benefits of pet therapy for seniors. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that seniors who interacted regularly with therapy animals had significantly lower levels of anxiety and emotional distress. The presence of an animal can be especially comforting for seniors facing health challenges or dealing with feelings of isolation. Older adults in Memory Care may find animal interactions calming and reduce agitation. For example, petting or brushing a dog can become a soothing routine that offers natural anxiety relief and promotes emotional well-being.
2. Increased Mental Activity
Like music therapy, pet therapy offers an effective way to simulate mental activity, especially in seniors dealing with memory loss or cognitive decline. A report published by California State University Stanislaus on the effects of animal-assisted therapy highlighted that seniors who participated in pet therapy showed improved cognitive function and enhanced attention spans.
Engaging with pets requires mental focus, whether it’s giving commands, remembering an animal’s name, or playing simple games. Even petting and grooming animals can stimulate memory and motor skills, potentially helping strengthen neural pathways over time. For seniors with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, interacting with pets may encourage storytelling, requiring them to recall details that bring back positive memories, positively impacting cognitive health.
3. Increased Communication
Pet therapy may also be effective in boosting communication skills, particularly for seniors who struggle with social interactions or verbal expression. Previous research published by Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders Extra showed a significant benefit in verbal and nonverbal communication. Simply having an animal nearby often encourages seniors to talk about the animal’s behavior or share personal memories about pets they’ve previously had, making therapy animals natural conversation starters. Having a comforting topic to discuss may make some seniors feel more comfortable interacting with others and encourage meaningful social exchanges.
4. Decreased Loneliness
A senior living alone may feel lonely at times, even in an Independent Living community with a packed social calendar. The companionship an animal provides can help reduce loneliness. Whether an older adult has a pet they care for full-time or simply spends time with a therapy animal, regular interaction with animals can counter feelings of isolation and loneliness. After reviewing several studies, BMC Geriatrics highlighted that seniors engaging with therapy animals enjoyed greater life satisfaction. Pets offer an affectionate presence in seniors’ daily lives and encourage interactions with others, fostering a sense of community.
5. Reduced Depression
Along with lowering anxiety levels, pet therapy has also been shown to reduce depression. Pets offer a natural way to improve mood and enhance emotional well-being through unconditional love and companionship. Simply petting a dog or cat can stimulate the release of serotonin, a chemical in the body that makes people feel happy. Seniors dealing with loss or chronic illness may particularly benefit from the consistent emotional support animals offer, helping them cope with challenges in a positive way.
Choose a Pet-Friendly Community for Your Health
If you’re seeking a Continuing Care Retirement Community that welcomes pets, Brandermill Woods is a pet-friendly community with a well-maintained dog park. Every Saturday morning, residents bring their furry friends to Yappy Hour at the dog park to socialize with other pet owners and their canine companions. It’s a great way to get to know your two-legged and four-legged neighbors.
Brandermill Woods in Midlothian, Virginia, offers many activities on campus, with even more to do in the nearby Richmond metro area. Contact our helpful staff at (804) 621-7328, and schedule a tour of our community, including our lovely cottages with screened-in porches and apartments conveniently connected to the Clubhouse.
