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Would you really love to have a pet but worry that you can’t manage one as you move into your golden years? It might be a good idea to choose an elderly pet. Older pets have plenty of love to give and might come with some pleasant surprises too, such as having mellow and laid-back dispositions. That alone is a great reason to give an older pet a shot!
Older pets usually include dogs and cats, but keep in mind pets great for seniors can also include rabbits, birds, reptiles, guinea pigs, and even ferrets. Take your time in choosing the right pet for you.
According to a survey by the University of Michigan, 55% of seniors between the ages of 50 and 80 have at least one pet, and many have two or more. Animals help reduce stress, give a sense of purpose, and offer numerous benefits that range from good companionship to more exercise.1
But many seniors also point out that their pets have put a strain on their finances, especially those who live on a fixed income. Having a senior pet might mean more of a strain on the pocketbook, as many older pets will need a higher level of veterinary care than their younger counterparts. But the good reasons to have an older pet can often well outweigh the expenses.
What else does an older pet bring to the life of a senior or elderly adult? You might be surprised!
Older Pets: What You See is What You Get
Senior pets might not be as bouncy and lively as a younger pet, but they bring an already well-established personality. That means you will know very quickly if a particular senior pet is the right one for you, as you’ll know if your personalities will match.
For instance, if you love to lounge around, look for a dog or cat who loves the same. An easy-going pet might work well for a senior who has a great deal of anxiety, while someone who is calm and cool could be a great comfort to an anxious pet.
In most cases, pets are just like humans – they get older and get set in their ways. If your ways match with theirs, then you’re both in luck.
Older Pets Know How Life Works
A pet that has been around the block a time or two can show you all they’ve learned. Most senior pets are going to be house-trained or litter-trained. They might even be crate-trained. If you’re really lucky, they’ve gone through obedience training!
Dogs (and some cats) will know how to walk on a leash. That can help ensure that when you do go out together, you won’t run a great risk of getting tangled up in the leash. Even so, a medical alert pendant is a good idea, so you can always be rest assured that help is only a button push away.
Most senior pets will be able to adapt quickly to their new surroundings and routines. In fact, older pets thrive on routine, which works out very well for those seniors who like to have their lives neat and orderly.
Keep in mind, however, that some pets will be very accustomed to their old routines and what their previous family allowed them to do. For instance, some cats and dogs are quite happy to be all over your furniture, thank you very much, while others were trained to stay off the couch.
These are things that you can slowly change, as contrary to the saying, old dogs really can learn new tricks!
Older Pets Are More Stable
Pets that have been around for many years will generally be calmer than other pets. They will stay cool and collected in situations that would drive a younger pet to hyperactivity. Their mellow personalities and emotional maturity make them quite easy to live with – but remember that they still love playing and spending time with their owners.
For instance, a younger pup might be wild and crazy when company comes over; but an older pet might be entirely calm, accepting affection from those around you with ease, or even opting out and quietly going to another room for some peace and quiet.
Older Pets Tend to be More Tolerant
Pets who have been around families in their previous life will usually take to the grandkids immediately, making them a fun addition to the household. Though older dogs are usually aligned with the energy level of their older owners, they aren’t immune to a fun tumble with the grandkids in the backyard or a quick run through the park to catch a ball. Older cats might become cuddly little purr monsters when a kid is around to pet them to their heart’s content.
Keep in mind that older pets will be more tolerant of you, too. They will usually be okay with hanging out at home, going for slow walks rather than brisk runs, and resting when you do. And if you aren’t in the mood to do much of anything, they tend to respect that and simply be a quiet companion.
Senior Pets Can Keep You Healthier
Older pets often have medical problems, and some of them can be serious. That might give you pause when it comes to choosing an elderly pet. But just as with humans, these animals are simply dealing with the issues of age. This can include trouble with vision and hearing, arthritis and other joint issues, digestive problems, and more.
This might require medication, certain types of exercise, a particular diet, etc. These requirements might seem daunting at first, but there is a benefit you might not have considered – and that’s the fact that by taking good care of your new pet, you will be motivated to take better care of yourself. After all, your pet needs you!
So when you give them their medications, you are reminded to take your own. When they want to go outside, you are reminded to get in your own steps and exercise. As they slow down and need more attention, they give you a good reason to get up out of bed, even if you don’t feel like it. That sense of purpose can lead to a longer, healthier life for you too.
Remember that when you spend time with your pet, it’s a good idea to use an emergency button alarm to stay safe. It can be easy to trip over a leash or even trip over your pet itself, from that lazy cat in the living room to the dog that gets a little rambunctious during the daily walk. Protecting yourself from the dire consequences of a fall can provide the peace of mind you need to make sure your pet is happy and healthy.
The Importance of Choosing a Shelter Pet
Choosing a pet can be an incredibly exciting time. If you choose a pet from a shelter, you are saving two lives – the life of that particular animal as well as the animal that will take their place at the shelter and have a shot at being adopted, too.
According to the ASPCA, about 6.3 million companion animals enter shelters in the United States every year. The good news is that about 4.1 million of these animals are adopted by new families. The bad news is that many of the remaining animals are euthanized.2
Older pets might be given up by their families when medical care becomes too expensive and difficult choices must be made. That often means saying goodbye to an older pet and turning them in to a shelter. Some of these older pets are sick and on medication. They might be incapacitated by advancing age or injuries. They might also be unable to do the things they used to do; for instance, an old dog might not be able to run and jump after a frisbee in the same way that a puppy can.
On the other hand, senior pets might be healthy and spry; they may have been given up because their owners can no longer care for them. By choosing to adopt that animal, you are carrying on the love that their previous owners had for them and giving them another shot at a forever home.
You can find pets needing a home at your local shelter, rescue organization, humane society, and even municipal animal control. Start with an organization like Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, which provides not only information on adoption but also many opportunities to volunteer.3
Elderly pets are in desperate need of adoption, as they are often the first that are euthanized. Visit a local shelter and you just might walk away with your new best friend!
Give Both of You the Gift of Security
You probably already know that medical alert technology can bring you incredible peace of mind. But have you ever considered that an alert system for elderly adults is a way to make sure those around you feel safe and secure, too?
If something happens to you, those who love you will know you are well-protected by Alert1’s monitoring center. But it can also give you the strong knowledge that if something happens to you, your beloved elderly pet won’t have to wait and worry for what comes next. You can call for help after a fall, accident, or medical emergency, 24/7/365, thus ensuring you get the help you need right away. A medical alert emergency button alarm is a way of keeping both of you safe. What’s not to love about that?
