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Depression in the Elderly

Depression in the Elderly and the Benefits of Having a Pet

By Olivia MazzottaPublished 6 years ago 2 min read
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Depression in the Elderly and the Benefits of Having a Pet.

To begin with, having a pet is a big responsibility—they need to cared for. In the elderly population that is suffering from some type of depression, it's beneficial for them to own a pet for various reasons. One of the main reasons is to not to feel lonely and gives them the joy of a furry companion. Moreover, owning a pet may improve mental health and physical state in the elderly, preventing depression by having a pet for companionship, security, and a reason to pursue physical activity.

It lowers, stress, anxiety, depression and helps seniors focus on something other than physical problems and negative preoccupations about loss or aging. Also, it decreases the risk of heart disease by keeping active, and improve behaviors in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. For some people with Alzheimer's disease, it will improve their behavior and eating habits and they don't feel isolated and lonely.

In addition, for some seniors that are suffering from depression, it is because of the Empty Nest Syndrome. This when they feel lonely when their children become adults and leave the home to have their own life. This is why some nursing home facilities have people bring them pets for interaction and socialize with other people so they won't feel empty or lonely.

This is why is important, because it gives them a purpose to care for something and it helps seniors to get motivated in getting up in the morning and looking forward to something to do. It motivates them to socialize with other people while walking a dog or, better yet—volunteer at a local shelter to care for abandoned, abused and lonely animals that need human contact and feel loved by someone that cares for them.

I work in a nursing home at night and witness that some of the elderly people experience anxiety because they feel abandoned. I wish that nursing homes would allow people to have a cat while they sleep—because it helps with anxiety and helps seniors sleep better. Unfortunately, most nursing homes don't allow animals. In a home care setting, where seniors live at home but have around-the-clock nursing care, it is beneficial for that client to have a cat or a dog while they sleep and wake up happy and refreshed in the morning. It gives them a sense of responsibility or to feel needed by a pet so they don't feel consumed by their illness that comes with aging.

Lastly, I feel that it is important for seniors to have a pet because of its benefits in reducing blood pressure, keeps them active and sociable with other people or neighbors and families. Also, it reduces symptoms of depression or feeling lonely. It's best that families should check on the elderly and sit with them to keep company so they don't feel like they don't matter, and help them with the care of their pet and their needs. Dogs, in particular, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise, playfulness and improves cardiovascular health. For children, it can help them grow more secure, gives them a sense of responsibility, and provide valuable companionship for older adults. Cuddling a pet also reduces stress, anxiety, and loneliness, social skills, and self-esteem in children as well.

In conclusion, pets are great for companionship. It keeps you healthy, happy and improves your immunity and decreases your risk of a heart attack or a stroke. Also, it helps for a social life in breaking the ice and anxiety in human interaction—"socializing with people."

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