Having a Pet Provides Benefits to Seniors

It turns out that being a pet owner can provide a range of benefits to seniors including helping them to live longer, healthier and more enjoyable lives.  One clinical study done several years ago tracked heart disease survivors after they were discharged from the hospital.  Studying survivors’ medical histories, lifestyles, families, and relationships, it found that, "The presence of a pet was the strongest social predictor of survival...not just for lonely or depressed people, but everyone - independent of marital status and access to social support from human beings." 

Another study done by the American Psychological Association found pets provide an important source of social support to their elderly owners.  Researchers explain that senior pet owners “fared better on several well-being (e.g., greater self-esteem, more exercise) and individual-difference (e.g., greater conscientiousness, less fearful attachment) measures.” 

It may be the benefits come from the fact that pets offer unconditional affection and companionship.  Also a pet requires seniors to stay engaged in the day-to-day process of caring for the animal as they need to feed, groom, walk and clean up after their pet.        

If you are thinking of getting a pet for an elderly family member, it is recommended that you consider the person’s physical health and personality.  AgingCare.com says you should also take into account the following: has the person owned a pet before; does the animal have a good temperament; and will owning a pet cause a financial hardship?   

At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, our goal is to provide the best senior living Des Moines and the surrounding area has to offer, which is why we are happy to welcome our resident’s furry friends.  Please contact us to learn more about our pet guidelines as well as our amenities, activities and wellness programs. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Jordan Creek, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest senior living Des Moines and the surrounding area has to offer. 

Sources: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21728449, petsfortheelderly.org, agingcare.com/Articles/benefits-of-elderly-owning-pets-113294.htm