In many recent studies, there have been findings that have backed up the connection between pets and elderly folks as well as with many healthy and unhealthy folks as the aging process begins. There is no denying the benefits of pet therapy for the elderly and how pets and elderly folks interact with one another and can give off calming benefits of relaxation and stress relief due to the simple act of touch from one to the other. The benefits of pets for the elderly surely outweigh the responsibilities that one fears that goes alone with owning a pet. If it is a service animal then there is less to worry about and in addition to that the pets and elderly folks that do end up getting a pet will find that they are capable of caring for the pet, because in return the pet does care for them as well. Still, many do argue that pets for elderly folks is not the best idea because when the elderly pets age, the pets and elderly folks must face another difficult parting, which for someone who has outlived many around them, this can be very dramatic and very difficult as well.
Despite all of this, pets and the elderly do go well together. There is not denying the correlation between pets and elderly folks and their healing benefits. This is why there are so many programs and initiatives being pushed forth to encourage pets and elderly folks to come together. The pets for seniors program is big in the United States now and there are many healthcare professionals ready to speak about it. Therefore it is beneficial to seek it out and at least make an attempt to learn about it. If you are healthcare professional then pets and elderly relationships may be one you will look to push forth, otherwise it never hurts to learn about a new way to integrate a furry friend into an elderly person’s life.