Dog Therapy As Good Medicine For Seniors

Dr Georgianna Donadio, PhD

One of the most popular and rapidly growing alternative modalities to help seniors retain their health and prevent the development or progression of both physical and mental conditions, is Animal Therapy. Dogs are the leaders in providing the succor and outcomes that are well documented on senior interaction with our animal friends.

A study out of the University of Pittsburgh, published in the Journal of Pain Medicine, demonstrated that the presence of a dog in an older individual’s life can help to significantly reduce physical pain as well as emotional distress.

There is little debate that physical exercise and healthy nutrition is essential to maintaining health and well-being at any age, especially the senior years. However, the addition of dog therapy can also be a tremendous addition to any senior’s self-care and disease prevention plan.

Dog Walking Takes Us Steps toward Better Health

As an educator in The 5 Aspects of Whole Health™, developed by the National Institute of Whole Health, I enjoy using these 5 aspects to identify the benefits of various approaches to health and wellness.

1 - The Physical Benefits

On the physical side, having a dog provides a mandatory reason and motivator for a senior to get outside and walk. There is also the physical movements of feeding and providing water every day for your pet. These activities all contribute to lower blood pressure and fewer occurrences of chronic health conditions, like obesity and diabetes.

In fact, a University of Missouri study showed that walking a dog regularly can lead to a lower body mass index. This can positively contribute to overall health and help prevent conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Seniors in the study who walked their dog also reported fewer doctor visits.

2 - Emotional Benefits

The emotional component of pet ownership, especially for single seniors, either at home or in an assisted living facility, is critical. Having a dog is a major winner in the battle against loneliness as well as the loss of purpose many seniors feel after retirement or after a major illness. Taking care of a pet can provide a focused purpose and important reason for getting up, dressed and moving each and every day.

3 - Environmental – Social

Dogs have long been a known attraction for singles to meet one another and in the same way dogs provide seniors with the social benefits of how to meet others through dog walking or pet play dates. Seniors can make friends or enhance their social activities by having a pet, especially dogs as they are walked daily, without feeling awkward or shy as so much of that activity is about their beloved pet and meeting others who share their enthusiasm for “pet parenthood”.

4 - Chemically and Nutritional

As we age our cognitive health and depth of memory can be effected. Much research is showing that having a pet in our later years can greatly reduce stress and the nutrition deficiencies stress can cause. Pet ownership can also strengthen brain function and extend our memory. According to Dr. Penny B. Donnenfeld. “I’ve seen those with memory loss interact with an animal and regain access to memories from long ago,” the psychologist explains. “Having a pet helps the senior focus on something other than their physical problems and negative preoccupations about loss or aging.”

5 - Spiritual

Experiencing a shared life and purpose with our animals, dog ownership connects us to the inter-dependence of our humanity and promotes a sense of belonging and being loved that enhances our relationship with ourselves and others.

Recognizing the Connection

The established correlation between pet ownership and better health now has assisted-living communities allowing and even encouraging pet ownership.

For seniors who do not want to take on the responsibility of owing a pet or are not in a living situation that allows for pet ownership, many senior facilities have created programs which have various rescue organizations that brings dogs into facilities during week days for residence to enjoy “pet therapy” and companionship.

Dogs have long been considered “man’s (humans) best friend” – maybe this is even truer in our advanced years. Having the love and companionship of a four-legged best friend is proving to be not only enjoyable, but also good medicine.

Resources

ScienceDaily: Senior adults can see health benefits from dog ownership

National Center for Biotechnology Information: Animal-assisted therapy at an outpatient pain management clinic

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Older Adults