Seniors can also benefit from the love and companionship of a pet.

The Weather Channel shares a 1999 article from the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society with its online viewers.  The article explains that, “independently living seniors that have pets tend to have better physical health and mental wellbeing than those that don’t. They’re more active, cope better with stress, and have better overall health.  A 1997 study showed that elderly pet owners had significantly lower blood pressure overall than their contemporaries without pets.”

The online version of the article provides the following hints for choosing/purchasing a pet for your loved one:

• First ask them if they want the responsibility of a pet
• Determine whether they are capable of caring for the pet (e.g., feeding, watering, grooming, exercising, and cleaning up after it)
• Take your elderly friend or family member with you to pick out their own pet
• Be prepared to care for and/or adopt the animal yourself if the senior is no longer able to care for the pet

The good news is that some senior living facilities allow residents to have pets – - plan ahead by locating pet friendly residents prior to actually needing one.