Why Dogs Make Great Pets for Seniors Helping to relieve Loneliness and More
Pets for Seniors
As we get older, things can drastically change. Often, in the later stages of life, support is welcome, and how that support presents itself could be in many ways. This piece will look at pets for seniors and specifically discuss why dogs can make great pets and the benefits they can bring into older people’s lives.
Dogs Help Seniors Get More Exercise
It is no surprise that the older we get, the less likely we are to move as much as we once might have. Joints creak a little more; the back-pain kicks in a little sooner, and while the physical effects of aging are a barrier, it is also worth thinking about the mental effects of aging too. Older people can tend to feel more vulnerable going out for walks by themselves and having a dog can really help tackle some of these issues.
Exercise is crucial for health at any age, and having a dog can hold owners accountable for getting out in the fresh air and getting their steps in. This is great for getting the body moving, keeping it supple, and also great for the mind, helping boost wellbeing.
Dogs Offer an Unmatchable level of Companionship for Seniors
As time goes on, friendships can change or fade out for one reason or another, the passing of loved ones leave gaps in the heart, and it can leave those without anyone to talk to. Loneliness is rife amongst the elderly, and for whatever reason, the cause may be, the outcome is sadly the same. Pets for seniors, especially a dog, can offer that well sought-after companionship. They are loyal, compassionate, and devoted. Training and teaching dogs’ tricks are great ways to engage and bond with them, and don’t skimp on the rewards! Hemp CBD dog treats are a great option as they combine a tasty reward with the health benefits of cannabidiol, a compound that is derived from the hemp plant.
Not only do dogs make great pets for seniors, they also offer companionship just as themselves. They are also a great way of meeting other dog owners, which can go a long way into helping older people create new friendships or find likeminded people to engage with.
Dogs can Help Improve the Health of Seniors
There have been many studies that have discovered that owning a pet has some impressive health benefits either directly or indirectly, and as we age, our health can deteriorate too. This is another excellent reason for seniors to have a pet of their own.
Taking care of dogs, playing with them, petting them, and engaging with them is a fantastic mood booster, and when we are in happier spirits, our physical health benefits from that too.
Indirectly, having a dog to take out on walks offers all the benefits of exercise without it feeling like exercise, which can have a significant impact on the heart, BMI, joint health, and increased quality of sleep.
Dogs Can Help Seniors Stick to a Routine
Having a routine can be very beneficial to seniors, and having a dog is an excellent way to facilitate that.
A routine for older people can help those who are of a nervous disposition feel safe and secure, knowing what the day ahead entails. It is also handy for those who have problems with cognitive issues such as memory difficulties, as the routine of each day is similar. Dogs also benefit from routine, so doing it together offers companionship and accountability!
Can the Early Signs of Dementia Put an End to Traveling for Seniors?
Older generations often chose to save their money so that they can travel after retirement. It’s a sad fact that many of them are unable to do so because of various age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease and diabetes to name a few. Let’s explore the issue of traveling for seniors.
Out of the various age-related conditions that can prove to be prohibitive for traveling at an old age, early onset of dementia is one of the worst ones to deal with. Taking a flight to see different parts of the world is not a feasible option for someone who may at times, forget their own identity and reason to be where they are at that time.
Traveling for Seniors is Still Possible If the Dementia is Manageable
Alzheimer’s Disease, the main cause behind dementia is a neurodegenerative condition that can be slowed down, but it cannot be cured. That being said, it is possible to manage the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s with proper care. Provided that everything is on point, traveling should not be out of the question for seniors, even if they have mild to moderate levels of dementia. As to what precautions and measures should be taken, the following examples will help in making that part clear.
Accompaniment is a Must
No one with dementia, irrespective of how mild it is, should ever travel alone anywhere. A caregiver and/or a close family member/relative/friend should be accompanying them on their travels. Preferably they should be people who know the senior traveler and his/her condition quite well.
Booking Medical Transport Flights Ensures Air Safety
Dementia and flights do not go well together, especially for first-time fliers. Contact Flying Angels for affordable medical transport flights, and they will make sure both the patients and their family members have nothing to worry about during the course of their journey, irrespective of how long it is. However, it is recommended to keep the total airtime lower than 3 – 4 hours.
Paying a Visit to the Doctor
Paying a visit to the doctor prior to the journey is important as it serves two particularly important functions:
- The doctor will be able to certify whether the patient is indeed fit to travel or not
- They will add further precautions to the list and write a prescription for the necessary meds
The younger generations travel so frequently now that they have little to no idea regarding how things were back in the old days. The Silent Generation (born between 1928 – 1945) and The Baby Boomer generation (born between 1946 – 1964) seldom had the money to travel at will, and even the ones who did couldn’t find enough time for traveling on leisure very frequently.
Most importantly, though, the travel & tourism industry was not even close to being as well established as it is today, and it was certainly much more expensive (in respect to the value of currency at the time). Now that they have made it possible for us to see better days, it is our duty to help them enjoy a golden retirement that never came to be.
