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As we get older, it’s not uncommon for memory to fade. In fact, did you know that more than one in every five seniors suffers from mild cognitive impairment?
The good news is that there are many ways to fight cognitive issues and lapses in memory as you get older. Welcoming a pet into your home can help.
A new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that older adults who live with pets showed better memory recall and higher cognitive function than those who live alone.1 The study looked at almost 8,000 participants over the age of 50 who lived alone, but also looked at those who lived with a spouse, partner, or caregiver. The participants were asked to engage in a cognitive screening test every year during the course of the study.
The study found that those who lived alone with a pet enjoyed slower rates of cognitive decline, especially declines in verbal fluency and memory. Those who lived with a pet but also lived with others didn’t see such gains in memory and cognitive functioning.
This study echoes previous findings that showed those who own a pet for five years or more can delay the aging of the brain. These studies suggest that the benefits of pet ownership might add up over time. The more years you spend with pets in your home, the more likely you are to experience less cognitive decline.
Scientists are interested in the fact that the rates of decline were lower for those who lived alone with pets, but that benefit didn’t translate to helping seniors who were living with their pet and with others in the household. While they take the time to figure it out with further studies, what they’re sure of is that pet ownership can have massive benefits for seniors.
A Note About Pets and Medical Alerts
Are you thinking about getting a pet to keep you company? When you are shopping for leashes, food bowls, and toys for your new furry friend, it’s also a good idea to consider an alert for elderly adults.
Simply press the button and the trained professionals on the other end of the line will send the help you need, from emergency services to the neighbor you have listed as a contact person.
Medical alert technology can help ensure you stay as safe as possible. And the safer you are, the safer your pet will be.
The Benefits of Pets for the Elderly
According to the Pew Research Center, 27% of seniors over the age of 65 in the United States are living alone.2 Spending all that time alone can easily lead to social isolation, which goes hand-in-hand with feeling lonely. Those are two significant problems the elderly face as they get older, especially since social isolation and loneliness can be bad for physical and mental health.
Pets can help alleviate those problems and many others. But why do pets make such a difference in the cognitive health of their senior owners? Scientists have a few theories:
· Pets keep you more active. Pets can encourage you to get out and get moving. To give just one example: A study in Scientific Reports found that dog owners in the UK got 300 minutes of exercise per week, which is about 200 minutes more than those who didn’t have a dog.3 But even those who have pets that stay inside, such as cats or rabbits, tend to get in more exercise due to day-to-day activities for their pet.
· Pets provide a sense of purpose. When you live alone, it might be tough to stay in a routine. You might slack off on the things that you should be doing, such as getting exercise or eating a healthy diet. But a pet that depends on you for their happiness, health, and security can change your whole outlook. Suddenly, you want to get out of bed to take care of your furry companion! That sense of purpose can boost your mood immeasurably.
· Pets can alleviate loneliness. The unconditional love of a pet can go a long way toward making you feel content and less lonely. The Human Animal Bond Research Institute surveyed individuals about pet ownership; among the respondents who have pets, 80% said their pets make them feel less lonely and 54% said their pets help them connect with others. Remember, loneliness and social isolation are serious public health concerns that can wreak havoc on a senior’s physical, mental, and emotional health.
· Pets can make you more social. Going out to the dog park, training your cat to walk on a leash, or simply opening up the blinds to let your bird get a clear view of the outdoors can open up your social circle. In addition to physically meeting with other pet owners at the park or while on walks, you can also find pet forums online where you can interact with those who have pets like yours. This can be especially handy for those who prefer more exotic or unusual creatures, such as friendly rats or cuddle-loving snakes.
· Pets exercise your memory. Did you refill the food bowl for your cat before you left the house? Did you change out the bedding for your guinea pig? As you provide day-to-day care for your pet, your memory is challenged, and that can help your brain preserve cognitive function. Talking to your pet every day can also help with verbal recall and fluency, which in turn affects your long-term memory and cognitive function.
· Pets can relieve stress. Simply petting an animal for a few minutes can have a positive effect on your blood pressure. Being able to talk to a pet and vent whatever is on your mind can make you feel better (and all that attention can make your pet very happy). Interacting with pets can also reduce the cortisol in your body. This stress hormone is linked to an increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, cognitive decline, and early death. Pets can literally make you healthier and extend your lifespan!
· Pets can improve gut health. It turns out that pets can provide you with more than good exercise; they can also bring certain bacteria into the household that can strengthen the health of your gut, which in turn can affect the gut-brain connection. Scientists don’t quite understand everything about the connection between the brain and the gut, but research over the years has found that there is definitely a connection between what’s happening in your gut and what’s going on in your brain.
When you take on the responsibility of a pet, you have someone who needs your care and attention. Take that responsibility very seriously by opting for a button alert as you bring a new pet into your home.
Being able to get help 24/7 at the touch of a button can provide the peace of mind that if something happens to you, help is only a button push away – and that means that your pet will get help, too. Many seniors worry that if they get hurt, their pet will be stuck with them, waiting for help to come. With a medical alert device, you don’t have to worry. Both you and your pet will be safe.
Choosing the Right Pet for You
The evidence on the benefits of pet ownership keeps piling up, especially if you live alone. If you think it’s the right time for a pet, keep these selection tips in mind:
· Adopt, don’t shop. There are millions of pets out there that need good homes. Rather than buy a pet, look to adoption agencies and your local humane society to find your new companion.
· Honestly assess your situation. Do you have the ability to care for a pet on your own? Will you be able to provide everything it needs? For example, if you are wheelchair-bound and need help getting outside, a rambunctious younger dog might not be your cup of tea. If you have allergies to cats, a feline in the home is a no-go.
· Look at finances. Keep in mind that your pet will come with the cost of food, housing, and vet care. Though some pets will be affordable, others might run into health problems or other issues that mean their cost of care goes up. Consider what you can afford and plan accordingly.
· Have a backup plan. If something happens to you and you can’t take care of your pet for a while, who will step in? Create a backup plan so that if you wind up unable to care for them – such as in the aftermath of a fall that led to a fracture and a hospital stay – you can be rest assured that someone is taking good care of your little companion.
As you settle in with a new pet, a medical alarm can come in handy. No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen. When they do, you might need assistance right away, especially if you have been injured in a fall. By pressing the button on your medical alert wireless device, you can ensure that help is on the way fast, for you and your pet.
