The Benefits of a Pet

As one gets older, certain limitations can inhibit one’s ability to reach out and see their social circles.

Friends may be too far, or maybe you cannot move around as well as you used to. These inhibitions can potentially lead to social isolation, removing one from an environment where they can talk about their day, express their feelings, and even vent about current issues. Peacefulness can turn into loneliness. When the capability of easily seeing your friends or family is not easy, it can become even easier to fully seclude yourself from the outside world. However, one way to alleviate such feelings of depression, anxiety, or other mental health symptoms is to get a companion, or specifically, a pet. 

Why would one bring a pet into their lives? They cost money, time, and effort. But these reasons are exactly why a pet, like a dog or a cat, can significantly improve the quality of life when one is older. Pets force owners to go out and exercise, provide companionship, and give their owners a sense of purpose and care. Studies have shown how depression and anxiety symptoms are alleviated with the introduction of a pet as loneliness decreases and physical and mental health increases. The act of taking care of another living being removes focus from oneself, inhibiting destructive or uncooperative thoughts that one feels when isolated. 

Here are the top few reasons for getting a pet when you are older:

1. Structure: pets need a daily schedule, such as when to go out to pee, eat, or walk. Being a caretaker forces you to bring a schedule to your life as well, forcing you to get out of bed.

2. Exercise: the need to exercise increases significantly as people age. Having a pet can make you take walks everyday, go to the park, and more. 

3. Connect: having a pet allows one to stay social. Pet playdates? Vet visits? Your community could be opened to a variety of new or old people.

4. Self-esteem: if, for most of your life, you found value in taking care of others, you can rebuild such self-esteem through taking care of a pet. 

What is the best pet for you?

Pets range from birds, cats, dogs, to pretty much any other domestic animal you can think of. Birds are perfect for those who enjoy chatter, music, bright personalities, and more. Typical bird pet species are canaries, parakeets, and Zebra finches, all social and musical bird types. If you are more of a cat speed, you like introvertedness, easy care-taking, and sometimes cuddly animals. For seniors, Birdman, Ragdoll, or British Shorthair cats tend to be the most compatible as they can be affectionate, easy-going, and playful. Lastly, dogs are for people who tend to enjoy being playful and going outdoors (although not always the case). Dogs range in all shapes and sizes, so choosing the right dog companion will require more research in terms of your lifestyle. For seniors generally, smaller dogs can be more manageable, such as Bichon Frises, Cocker Spaniels, and French Bulldogs. Keep in mind that all of these pet recommendations are generally based, and picking the right pet for you will require a bit more research. 

— Jenny Kim