July 23, 2024 by shumaker68

I grew up in the country with a passel of outside cats running around.  Our cats had shelter in Dad’s workshop and always had food and water available, but they didn’t go in the house.  Eighteen years ago, Chad and I adopted Jack, a one-eyed black/grey/brown tabby kitten.  Our Gentleman Jack was the best cat ambassador ever and blessed us with his love for 13 years – and changed Chad’s mind forever about cats.  Currently our home is ruled by 3 felines – a tuxedo named Frankie, a timid tabby named Stella, and a sporty tortie named Lucy. 

Frankie, Stella, and Lucy looking out the screen door.

Pets offer unconditional love and commitment to their owners. They can act as friends, therapists, entertainers, and warm, fuzzy, bundles of joy. Having a pet in a person’s life can offer them a sense of well-being, a sense of encouragement, and even a reason for living.

Americans are living better these days. We are living even longer and fuller lives than only ten years ago. This sometimes means that elderly people find themselves outliving loved ones or living far from any family. According to the Animal Humane Society, one way to help those living alone find new meaning in their lives, and to offer them a sense of importance is by encouraging them to adopt a companion animal from their local shelter.  Having to care for and provide a loving home to a companion animal also helps older adults to remain active and stay healthy.

For years it has been documented that companion animals, like dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds, help people live longer and healthier lives. Some of the medical benefits a person may experience from owning a companion animal include lowered blood pressure, decreased stress, reduced bone loss, lowered cholesterol levels, and improved blood circulation. 

No matter what a person’s age, a companion animal can help a person age well and live well. Some people may want to consider adopting an older adult animal into their lives instead of a puppy, kitten, or rambunctious “teenage” pet. Older pets are more likely to be calm, already house trained, and less susceptible to unpredictable behavior. Older pets are often more easily physically managed than a stronger, more excitable younger animal; yet older pets still confer the same medical and emotional benefits onto their owners as younger animals do.

Yes, I am a cat lady! And proud of it.  Frankie and Stella are my constant companions when I am working from home and make themselves comfortable on me or my desk.  A purring cat does wonders to relax away the stress of my day!

Frankie supervising my work.

References:

Animal Humane Society. Welcoming a pet companion in your golden years. https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/welcoming-pet-companion-your-golden-years

Mayo Clinic Press. Boost your health: The benefits of having a pet. https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/healthy-aging/boost-your-health-the-benefits-of-having-a-pet/

The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center. Health Benefits of Pet Ownership. https://vmc.vet.osu.edu/resources/health-benefits-pet-ownership

Written by: Kate Shumaker, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Holmes County

Reviewed by: Corinna Gromley and Megan Taylor, Family and Consumer Sciences Educators, Ohio State University Extension