November 20, 2022

The Power of Pets: How Furry Friends Can Improve Your Health

About Brookdale Senior Living

Portrait of dog with senior owners in background

No matter how old you are, you never forget the special pets who have shared your home. After all, our beloved furry friends are an integral part of the family.

And while pets are a blessing at any age, the companionship of a furry friend is particularly beneficial for seniors, who may not get out as much as they used to.

The constant companionship and purpose pets bring to our lives have health benefits that go far beyond daily hugs and cuddles. Along with the simple joy of having a relationship with an animal, research suggests that owning a pet can provide health benefits, too. Read on to confirm that what you already knew was true — furry friends really are the best medicine.

No matter how old you are, you never forget the special pets who have shared your home. After all, our beloved furry friends are an integral part of the family.

And while pets are a blessing at any age, the companionship of a furry friend is particularly beneficial for seniors, who may not get out as much as they used to.

Heart Health

Pet ownership is linked to a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. In fact, just petting a dog or cat may cause our blood pressure to settle down. Pets can also lessen cardiovascular reactivity during times of stress, as well as help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Social Support

Animals, particularly dogs and cats, may provide much-needed social support. Of course people do too, but sometimes those relationships can also bring stress. Having an animal may give owners more opportunities for social interactions with strangers, friends and acquaintances — going on walks, visiting the dog park, browsing online groups and even visiting the vet. In fact, pet owners are 60 percent more likely to get to know their neighbors than non-pet owners.

Pets at Brookdale

Many residents at Brookdale communities have pets. Quite often a resident’s dog becomes a community dog. And for those who don’t or can’t have pets, our communities often offer pet-therapy. Many residents light up when interacting with therapy animals, and dogs and cats are especially wonderful for those living with dementia or depression.

When it comes to the power pets may have on the health and wellbeing of seniors, perhaps writer Jack London said it best: “Dogs don’t rationalize. They don’t hold anything against a person. They don’t see the outside of a human but the inside of a human.”

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