Many seniors have discovered that pets are an antidote to isolation and loneliness. And numerous studies show cats, dogs, and other creatures are a prescription for improved health in the elderly.
Kelly Connolly of the Humane Society of the United States says on HSUS’s Web site (www.hsus.org), “Emotionally, pets can bring new meaning and purpose to the life of a senior who is living far away from friends or family…. Being responsible for another life often gives new meaning to the lives of those who are living alone or far from loved ones. Caring for and providing a loving home to a companion animal also helps elderly people remain active and stay healthy.”
As they keep seniors’ feelings of isolation at bay, pets help lower blood pressure, decrease stress, reduce bone loss, lower cholesterol, and improve blood circulation.
Getting out and walking a dog also can lead to human interaction, which further promotes better emotional and physical health.
Lack of social interaction takes a toll on seniors, their longevity, and quality of life. In the August 2007 issue of Current Directions in Psychological Science, University of Chicago researchers reported that lonely, older adults in their study exhibited more pronounced physical symptoms (higher blood pressure, lower levels of “good” cholesterol and higher levels of the stress hormone epinephrine) than younger subjects, on whom loneliness showed relatively little effect.
Following are other suggestions for countering isolation:
- Get online. Computers offer a convenient way to stay connected with loved ones and keep up with news and interests. Seniors, though, may need some hands-on help from children and grandchildren to get started. And senior centers, public libraries and adult education programs provide basic computer classes. There also are less technical, spam-free alternatives to the computer. The HP Printing Mailbox, for instance, connects to a phone line and prints messages and digital photos e-mailed by friends and family. And don’t forget letter writing.
- Help others. Volunteering enables seniors to continue exercising their skills and talents. For local opportunities, check with the United Way, service organizations or visit www.seniorcorps.org for information on local units of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).
- Center yourself. Local senior centers offer a wealth of social, educational, and service opportunities.
- Subscribe. Newspapers and magazines help us all stay connected to our community, world, and interests.
- Open the door. For seniors who have difficulty getting out, visits from relatives, friends, and neighbors can provide a great lift. Out-of-town children can contact neighbors, family friends and their church back home to arrange such visits.
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