subject: Grieve Loss Of A Pet - Why Is It Important To Help A Senior Replace A Pet That Has Died? [print this page] Most of us who have owned a pet know how much love and affection it can provide us. For a senior, the importance of having a pet can be invaluable. When a senior experiences grief from loss of a pet, it can have detrimental effects. If you can assist a senior in replacing their pet loss, he/she can derive great benefits.
Many older adults have already suffered multiple losses in life - they may have begun to lose close friends and relatives, and started to experience health problems. The importance of helping a senior (particularly if they are single or a widow/widower) replace a pet that has died, can be shown by the following benefits:
Emotional Benefits of a Senior Owning a Pet
Helps reduce loneliness - gives the senior a living thing to touch, cuddle, & talk to
Provides a feeling of safety
Being accountable for another life helps give purpose, particularly for a senior living alone or far away from family
Reduces confusion or forgetfulness by promoting a sense of time and routine to the day
Minimizes depression as the senior is responsible for someone else besides him/herself
Helps a senior cope with sad occasions
A pet does not judge or care if the senior is wheelchair bound, has an amputation, or is on oxygen
Physical Health Benefits of a Senior Owning a Pet
Lowers blood pressure
Encourages the practice of good hygiene, staying active, exercising, and eating - as the senior needs to provide nutrition, play with, and maintain cleanliness for their pet
Because older adults are especially susceptible to feelings of loneliness and illnesses linked to stress, having a pet can provide many rewards. If you learn that an elderly individual close to you is experiencing grief from loss of a pet, perhaps you can assist in the process of finding a new pet and feel good about having helped him/her regain the joy that having a pet provides!
