The therapeutic and social benefits of animal companions have been well documented for years. In 1994, the National Pets & People survey in Australia was one of the first major studies to investigate the connection between pet ownership and human health. The study found that dog and cat owners had better mental and physical health, made fewer annual doctor visits, and were less likely to be on medication for heart or sleeping problems than people who did not own pets.
More recently, a 2007 study by the Delta Society, a nonprofit that encourages people to interact with pets for health benefits, found that people with advanced heart failure that receive a 12-minute visit with a therapy dog had greater decreases in blood pressure and stress levels than those visited for the same amount of time by a person only.
Small pets or service dogs have helped seniors overcome depression and disabilities. Animal shelters are full of senior animals waiting to be rescued and they have so much to offer. Before you know it, it really is a question of who rescued who?
Another option is to purchase Hasbro’s Joy For All companion pet. They offer either realistically looking small dog or cat companion pet in several colors. The simulated companion pets either bark or purr, move their heads or other parts. According to the reviews on Amazon, many lonely seniors or seniors with dementia have enjoyed these companion pets. The simulated pets are priced between $100 to $120 on Amazon.
No matter if you prefer real or simulated companion pets, the benefits seem to be very rewarding for their owners. This is another great use of technology!
~ Bob Larson is a technologist, photo-journalist, and Marketing Director for 50 Plus.