Social Gerontology 431: PET THERAPY

In chapter 6 of Aging Matters, readers are introduced to the therapy that pets provide for the elderly. I chose this particular topic because of my love for animals, and how they aid in every aspect of life. Personally, I have suffered through anxiety and depression and my pets have helped curb each issue, so I know that they would help the elderly as well.

According to Aging Matters, benefits of owning a pet or spending time with animals in old age include:

· Provide structure

· Provide a sense of purpose

· Anchor in days that might lack meaning

· Reduce depression

· Compensate for lack of family members

· Increases happiness

· Increases self-confidence

· Increases alertness

· Increases responsiveness

· Increases mobility

· Improves health

· Improves mental functioning

(2015)

Pets provide a different kind of therapy than a psychologist would. Not only can owning a pet, or participating in animal assisted therapy aid in the emotional well-being of an elderly person, but it can also aid in the biological well-being of them as well. Physical contact with an animal can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as release endorphins, and decrease muscle tension. This could be life-changing in an elderly persons life for so many different reasons (Ritchie, 2011).

In a 2010 study, twenty subjects over the age of 69 with dementia or a psychiatric disorder were put into therapy with pets on a weekly basis. The interactions between the animals (a 7 year old Labrador & a 3 year old Australian Shepherd) and the elders were divided into two activities: caring and playing. This study showed a significant increase in cognitive function in the subgroup with the lowest cognitive function. The results also showed a reduction of depression in the group of elderly with neurological disabilities (Menna et al., 2012). This study was important in showing how owning a pet can aid in lives of elders with disabilities. Animals are truly a blessing to humans. Not only can they aid in mental disorders, but also physical health and well-being.

There are five ways animals and pet-visiting programs in nursing homes facilitate how the elderly deal with family ties. This includes:

· Sessions trigger childhood memories associated with animals.

· Pet and human loss are interrelated experiences.

· Animal visits assist in counteracting the decline of domesticity among residents.

· Residents explore former ties to pets and aid in establishing a better relationship to person caring for the animal.

· Visits by family members are enhanced by animals’ presence.

(Savishinsky, 1985)

This video showcases a nursing home called Lakeview Ranch, which brings animals in to visit the residents on a weekly basis. This videos allows people to see the first-hand benefits of animal assisted therapy. Enjoy!