Have you ever wondered why seniors adopt puppies?
We know that the cliche is “old lady with a ton of cats,” but why does it seem like seniors adopt puppies? You may not think that getting older is when you should turn your attention to getting a pup, but the reality of the matter is actually way different.
Older adults and seniors should be adopting dogs, as it has only been proven that it adds to their quality of life.
Sure, it can seem like a bad idea when you focus only on the idea that you will have to walk them every day a couple of times, that they are like having a small child all over again, and for many, it seems like a chore.
Some may even think that they will not have the time or the health to properly take care of a dog! Yet, you need to shift your attention and your worries!
There have been numerous studies that have shown that not only are pets bringing more fun and brightness into your life, but they are also perfect for older adults as they help them age better.
There are health and mental benefits to owning a pet, especially a dog, in old age!
If you are ready to see all the benefits that are brought to seniors who adopt puppies, what the challenges are, and many other aspects of this conversation, keep reading!
Do you plan to have dogs in retirement? If so why have you made that choice? Or what deters you from doing it? Let us know your answers in the comments!
Why should seniors adopt puppies?
The easiest reason is that owning a pet is going to make you feel better. Being in the presence of a pet, especially a pup, is going to make your body release the love hormone (oxytocin), which will help you feel better.
Oxytocin has been the focus of numerous studies, and they have all found that an increase in the secretion of this hormone is helpful in inhibiting other stress hormones as well as lowering blood pressure while giving you an overall sense of calm and focus.
Other studies have discovered that having a long-term pet will help adults keep their cognitive skills sharp, despite the aging process, and slow their verbal memory decline.
Numerous universities have participated in this study, and seniors who have pets have scored better, with lower scores for cognitive decline.
What’s more, having a pet is going to help your mental and physical health as you retire.
On the mental health plane, most pet owners over the age of 65 feel more at ease, and it also helps them in various distinctive areas: the presence of a routine and structure that the pet brought them gives them purpose, helps them have a role and meaning, and the presence of the pet helps them feel safe and brings them comfort, just to name a few.
On the physical front, owning a dog is going to help older adults stay on top of their fitness goals. We all know that you should keep moving as you age, and going on a daily walk with your pet is going to help you easily meet that goal. Not to mention, you can become social with other dog owners at the park!
Overall, owning a pet helps seniors forget their worries and pain, as well as aids them in coping with emotional and physical issues.
Is any pet going to help?
Generally speaking, what pet you choose is always dependent on you. Dogs seem to be the most common choice amongst seniors, but others have also mentioned the likes of birds, cats, and other, maybe more unusual, pets.
Active and fit seniors have fared very well with the likes of younger and energetic dogs, while the less mobile have gone down the route of older or less active pets.
The bottom line is that having a pet in your life after you retire, especially one that helps you stay active, is going to be a plus, regardless of what type they are.
One thing is for sure: all specialists recommend adopting or rescuing a dog or cat if you decide on them.
This is the most sustainable way to add a new member to your family, and you get to help a soul. What’s more, the workers in these places know the animals way better, and they can help you adopt the dog that best fits your lifestyle and personality.
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows!
You may be set on finding the perfect companion and dog for you, but know that there are going to be challenges to owning one.
One of the most common ones is that if you are renting, you will need to find one that will allow you to keep a pet, even a larger breed of dog. Another one may be accessibility and mobility, if you are no longer able to drive, getting the pet to their vet appointments may be harder.
Take into consideration if you are going to be traveling a lot; this can mean an extra financial commitment, be it to a pet sitter or to take your pup with you.
There are still ways to get around these challenges. The Humane Society has organized a program called “Pets and People Together,” which can help seniors with their pets. From food donations to weekly walks and even rides to the vet, your local Humane Society may help you when you need it if you contact them!
Another organization that can help you both find a pup of your own and aid you in taking care of them is Pets for the Elderly, a wonderful organization that provides companionship for adults 60 and older and homes for pets.
This organization is amazing as they offer discounts to seniors as well as helping those who need it with the costs of taking care of a pet, which includes financial aid for vet visits and help for those who are struggling to care for themselves and their pets. They are present in 32 states in the nation, so check them out!
And more important than not, consider if you can take on the burden. It may be something you wish to keep on doing, like keeping a dog and taking care of them, but be realistic if it is a goal that you can meet and something that is sustainable for you in the long run!
What happens if your pet outlives you?
This is one of the most common reasons why seniors miss out on the joys of having a dog in retirement, and we say that while it is a valid concern, you should not let it stop you from getting a pup.
What you should do instead is plan and know that even if you were to pass away, your beloved pet is going to be taken care of.
Indeed, we all have a trusted friend or family member who can help you as an emergency caregiver, but you should have a permanent plan. Be it that you keep it in an easy-to-find spot like your wallet, you put it into your estate plan, or into your will.
There are also dog, cta, or pet sanctuaries that will help you draft these estate plans and ensure your pet is taken care of if you do not have any family that would take care of them.
Whether you have a pup or plan on getting one, you must have a trusty leash. This one from Amazon is affordable and of great quality, which most pet owners love. What’s more, it never failed us when we walked our pup!
Maybe you realized that owning and caring for a pet is not in the books for you. However, there are benefits to still having them around you, and maybe even consider picking up the likes of pet therapy. If you want to know more about pet therapy, read our article on the matter!
