Chatting with the cat: why pet ownership could benefit your health
A study published through the JAMA Network investigated the effect of pet ownership amongst seniors living alone. In a study of almost 8000 people aged 50 and over, the study found that:
“Pet ownership was associated with slower rates of decline in verbal memory and verbal fluency (the ability to move thoughts to words) among individuals living alone .. Pet ownership offset the association between living alone and declining rates of verbal memory (ability to recall information) and verbal fluency.”
In an earlier 2000 study results, seniors who owned a dog were better physically, whilst those with cats generally had better verbal cognitive function. In simple terms, this could be due to people needing to walk a dog, and perhaps through people chatting more with their cat!
Pet ownership and loneliness
The role of pets in seniors feeling lonely is important because loneliness can triple your risk of developing dementia. The 2023 NIA Ageing in Canada Survey highlighted the issue, discovering that for Canadians aged 50+:
“Loneliness is experienced by a majority (57%), with two in 10 (18%) Canadians 50+ very lonely and another 39% are somewhat lonely.”
The report also noted the link between loneliness and overall health:
“The proportion of very or somewhat lonely (seniors) was much higher among those who reported fair or poor health (77%) than among those who reported excellent or very good health (42%).”
In addition, those who were single, living alone or serving as a caregiver reported feeling lonely more often.
How home care can help
Sadly, many seniors in Canada also seem to be resigned to being alone:
“36% agreed that feeling lonely or feeling depressed, sad or worried (30%) are a normal part of getting older.”
Home care is a simple and remarkably effective way to reduce loneliness. As we often say, home care is NOT just about the necessaries of personal care. It offers far more, especially in terms of companionship and the reassurance of a regular visit by a friendly face.
Our caregivers always strive to enhance the quality of life of our customers, so we can help you get out and socialise as well as being there in your home to talk, do a little light housekeeping, play a game, or complete a crossword.
We call it Engagement, but it basically means what many older seniors crave – a bit of company, a good chat, another viewpoint, enjoyable activities, and an important lifeline to the outside world beyond their home. Our Engagement services include:
- Companionship
- Social stimulation
- Engaging Activities
- Cognitive Stimulation
Respite care for home caregivers
At Vytality at Home, we can also help the other lonely group highlighted in the report – those serving as a caregiver themselves. Our Respite care cover can give them the break they need to lead their own lives and have some time for themselves, dafe in the knowledge that one of our experienced caregivers is looking after their loved one at home.
And, of course, our caregivers love meeting the dogs, cats, and other pets that our customers share their lives with too!
Home care in Calgary the Vytality way
For more details of our home care and caregivers respite care here in Calgary, just get in contact:
