Why it’s great to have a pet companion in your golden years

Getting older doesn’t mean you have to give up your beloved pets, but you do have to be smart about which furry friends to bring home.

Reasons to Consider a Pet

While some older people may be concerned about their ability to take care of a pet as they age, a four-legged friend can provide health benefits and a social outlet in retirement.

Health Benefits – The evidence supporting the benefits of pets isn’t all anecdotal in nature. A number of scientific studies have measured the positive impact pets can have on health and well-being. For example, Loyola University researchers found five to 15 minutes of animal therapy each day was associated with a 28 percent drop in the need for oral pain medication among patients recovering from joint-replacement surgery.

Social Benefits – Other seniors use their pets as means to promote social interaction. Some people have regular coffee dates with their pets in tow, while others head to local dog parks to chat with fellow pet owners.

Which Pets are Best?

For most seniors, a pet choice may come down to either a dog or a cat. For those who want a cat, the biggest consideration may be whether to get a short or longhair breed. Longhair cats may require regular brushing and could shed more than those with shorter hair.

Dogs are more complicated, and it is recommended that seniors stick with older animals. Puppies are really challenging, what most seniors need is a pet that is somewhat docile and has had some training.

Smaller dogs are recommended over big dogs, since they are more portable, cheaper to feed and may be more accepted in an assisted living facility should that become necessary.

It is also advised that seniors that are nearing retirement to take a wait-and-see attitude before jumping into pet ownership. You could decide to move closer to your kids. You could travel more, you really need to see where your life is going first.

For those seniors who are seeking animal companionship for the golden years, there are plenty of resources available to help find the perfect pet.

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