Share This

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Again, studies suggest that animal companions for the sick and elderly are more than just mildly beneficial, and may actually contribute substantially to longer lives and better overall health, and even the healing or improvement of chronic conditions.  Pet owners are more agile and limber, and more flexible than non pet owners.  This could be because they instinctively get down to animal level to interact with their pets:  sitting on the floor, stretching forward, and walking or jogging more are all examples of this.  Some pets, particularly dogs, can even be great additions to home security because they tend to bark when potential intruders come too close to the house.

Animals also give people a sense of responsibility, and someone to love.  People who are responsible for other people or for pets have a sense of self worth and purpose that some others do not have.  The absence of such feelings can lead to isolation and even depression, particularly in the elderly.  Here are more statistics that will help you understand just how wonderful a pet can be for people who are old or chronically ill.