It’s no secret that fluffy companions can provide significant mental health benefits to us all. But with over one million people in the UK experiencing loneliness, according to Age UK, pets can offer crucial support in combating isolation. For this International Friendship Day (30th July), outstanding live-in care provider Abbots Care details why pets make great friends, and how you can arrange pet therapy for your elderly loved one if having a full time pet is not suitable.
Animal best friend benefits
For elderly individuals, especially those living alone, pets can be a lifeline, offering much-needed social interaction and companionship.
According to a survey of UK pet owners carried out in March 2022, around 87% of dog owners, 82% of cat owners and 78% of rabbit owners stated that their pets made them mentally healthier. These furry friends not only brighten their days upon a visit but they also provide a vital connection to the outside world.
As well as the important companionship that they can provide, studies have shown that interacting with animals can increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, the chemicals in the brain associated with happiness and relaxation. With a boost in serotonin comes a reduction in the risk of depression – a common side effect of loneliness and isolation.
Owning a pet isn’t suitable for everyone
If pet ownership is not suited for you or a loved one, regular visits from therapy animals can be a fantastic way to get all the benefits of a small animal.
Trained therapy dogs or cats can provide much-needed companionship and emotional support. These interactions allow elderly individuals to experience the many benefits of pets, such as increased social interaction and companionship, without the long-term responsibility of pet ownership.
These visits can also help break the cycle of loneliness and isolation that many elderly people face.
If you’re looking to organise pet therapy for an elderly loved one, there are dedicated charities for just that. Pets As Therapy (PAT) is a national charity dedicated to improving the health and well-being of thousands of people in communities throughout the UK. With their temperament assessed pets, their mission is to provide companionship through animals.
