Pet Therapy and the Benefits to Senior Adults

Pet Therapy has been a common practice among social and volunteer groups for several decades.  As a concept coined from the traditional animal therapy programs, pet therapy moves one step beyond animal therapy by encouraging pet adoption for senior adults and those suffering from disabilities.   As an interactive approach to improving quality of life, pets of all breeds and makes, are providing the companionship, security and connection so many aging adults need.

Senior adults most often suffer from depression secondary to isolation and loneliness.  When significant, these mental health complications may quickly deteriorate the physical health of the senior adult.   With this deterioration in physical health comes an increase in physician's visits, increase in medication usage, both prescription and non-prescription, and an increase in dependence on public health programs.   Through the introduction of pet therapy, many senior adults are making the emotional connection with a pet, improving mental health, which often leads to improved physical health.  In doing so, there is a significant association to the decrease in the social implications and affects on social programs.  In fact, research has recently indicated the use of pet therapy, in cardiac patients, may even improve the longevity of the patient.  In fact, research has gone one step further in showing life expectancy may actually be increased when owning a pet in contrast to living with a companion or spouse.