A Health & Wellness

Why pet therapy is so good for us

In Australia, seniors everywhere are turning to pet therapy to reap a number of mental and physical health benefits.

Research shows that seniors who interact with animals experience decreased levels of stress and depression, improved immunity and lower blood pressure.

Research has shown that seniors who interact with animals experience decreased levels of stress and depression, improved immunity, lower blood pressure, increased ability to complete daily activities, improved communication abilities as well as enhanced quality of life.

One of the main reasons for the latter could be attributed to the socialisation aspect – seniors can not only connect with a therapy pet but often form relationships with other seniors through animals. While long-term care is important for seniors, initiatives such as pet therapy can greatly contribute to the physical, mental and emotional well-being of those living in Australia’s care facilities.

Because seniors need care plans that cover all components of their physical and mental wellbeing, introducing them to pet therapy is an effective way to ensure they live healthier lives with assistance from companions that ease both pain and stress.

Three essential health factors

Pet therapy can bring seniors an array of physical benefits that have far-reaching implications for their overall health and wellbeing.

Let’s have a look at why improving these health factors is so beneficial… 1

Lower blood pressure. Keeping healthy blood pressure levels is both an achievable goal and an important means of protecting overall health. High blood pressure affects seniors differently than younger people, so it is important to take extra steps to have it under control. In addition to living a healthier lifestyle by eating more vegetables and exercising more often, seniors should consider speaking with their healthcare providers about additional measures they can take to lower their blood pressure. With the right care plan that is tailored to their specific needs, seniors can help keep their blood pressure in check for years to come. 2 countless benefits including improved health and greater social interaction as well as a reduced risk of falls – all of which contribute to maintaining overall wellbeing.

The next steps

If you are a senior living in Australia looking for pet therapy to help improve your physical and mental wellbeing, contact your doctor or carer today to learn more about the different options available. Pet therapy is an excellent way to reduce stress, ease pain and enjoy a healthier quality of life. ACG

Improved cardiovascular health. Heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide. But there’s much you can do to improve your heart health.

According to the Australian Heart Foundation, regular physical activity is essential. Increasing your physical movement from as little as 10 minutes a day to the Australian Government’s recommended 30-45 minutes a day, five or more days of the week, can help reduce your risk of heart disease and heart attacks. Taking regular long walks with your pet therapy dog is one way of doing that. 3

Increased strength, mobility and balance. As we age, strength, mobility and balance can be affected, so seniors in Australia need to be aware that there are options available to decrease this decline and stay healthy longer. Strength-training exercises can help seniors improve their balance while regular aerobic activity increases mobility; both are critical requirements for seniors who want to remain active and independent members of their community. Integration of such activities into an older person’s life can have

Owning a pet has plenty of benefits, too

It’s not just pet therapy that has a multitude of benefits. Research shows that seniors who own pets experience lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, improved cardiovascular health and increased energy levels, as well as better sleep quality – all essential to good physical health.

What’s more, having a companion animal encourages seniors to be more socially engaged and get out and about in the community. Research has even linked better recovery from some medical procedures with pet companionship. This is especially true for life-altering medical events such as surgery or hospitalisation.

While owning a pet can have many positive benefits, it is important to consider the potential risks involved.

Ageing pets may require more care and attention than younger animals, and there may be safety concerns such as falls or injuries with an animal around. Additionally, seniors with allergies or asthma may be adversely affected by pets in the home.