animal instincts

By Kathy Dean Contributing Editor kathydean@atlantaseniorlife.com

There seems to be no end of research that shows that people, older adults in particular, reap many benefits by bringing a dog or cat into their lives. While the documentation exists, there’s no better proof than the smiles on people’s faces as they cuddle a puppy or kitten.

The Atlanta Humane Society (AHS), dedicated to the improvement of animal welfare in the Southeast by providing quality animal services, offers opportunities for volunteers to care for and interact with dogs and cats that are ready for adoption. Several older adults in Atlanta have been more than willing to answer the call.

Retired teacher Doug Martin has been volunteering at AHS for nearly a year. After spending 30 years with children, he decided he’d enjoy devoting some time to animals.

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Just Who Are We?

Some of the most interesting discussions while putting together Atlanta Senior Life have been about the exact meaning of the word ‘senior.’ People aged 60 and up are generally accepted as seniors, according to the legal definition., though the Social Security Administration traditionally has used 65.

Maybe we can go by the adage of “You’re only as old as you feel.” In that case, my age changes daily depending on how much stress I’ve endured—and that’s directly related to how much TV news I subject myself to lately.

I’ve decided to be inclusive with my definition of ‘senior.’ Personally, I’ll be steamrolling into my 60th birthday next year. I don’t dread it, and I’m not even merely resigned to it. I’m ready to celebrate it, and determined to enjoy my senior years by staying vital and engaged.

A few months ago, I was at a birthday breakfast for a friend, a social worker who spent much of her career counseling AIDS patients. When someone asked her, “Don’t you worry about getting older?” she was quick to reply. “I learned a long time ago that aging is a privilege that isn’t available to everyone.”