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Pets can help the elderly avoid the need for psychotherapy

Depression is a serious problem for the elderly. The inability to perform normal day-to-day activities due to health, the death of a spouse or loved one, and isolation from friends and family can affect an older person’s well-being. Although therapists’ training includes specific care for their older patients, it may be a better course of action to help older people avoid the need for psychotherapy. One way to do this is by having a pet or being exposed to pet therapy.

Having a pet can be a very positive force in the life of an older person. If you live alone, the benefits of having a pet are even more profound. Pets give structure and companionship to their lives. Pets ease loneliness, reduce depression and anxiety, and help an older person cope with the loss of a loved one. Researchers at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario, have shown that people who have pets are more active and have a more positive outlook on life. These findings have been supported by an article published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

A study by the Mayo Clinic uncovered some interesting facts about pet ownership by seniors:

1) Owning a pet reduces doctor visits by 21%.
2) Alzheimer’s patients stay more in the present if they have a pet.
3) Seniors who don’t have pets see a significant decline over time in their physical and mental well-being.
4) Nursing home patients who participate in pet therapy have an increase in social and verbal interaction.

These statistics support the benefits of pets and pet therapy. Even older people who have physical disabilities show fewer signs of depression than those who didn’t have pets or who weren’t exposed to pet therapy.

Many therapists and counselors are recognizing the positive effect pet therapy can have on their patients. Nursing homes use pet therapy and some even have pets for residents to interact with. Volunteers also bring their pets for older patients to spend time with several times a week.

The goal of psychotherapy is to help people live better lives and have a greater sense of well-being. If therapy is needed, pets and pet therapy may increase benefits. Many programs that provide training for therapists now include pet therapy. It is a valuable and useful course of treatment that can help the elderly avoid the need for psychotherapy.