Mediate Michigan

Many senior living communities, such as Sunrise Senior Living, integrate pets into the daily lives of residents by having a dog or cat live full-time in the community. Here are five benefits that pets offer for seniors, whether at home or in a senior living community:

1. They provide companionship

An older adult’s basic human need for security, affection and sensory contact can be met by holding, stroking or nurturing a pet. Experts report that pets can decrease loneliness, help to reduce stress, and encourage exercise and playfulness. This not only benefits the body but also the spirit! Because of the companionship and unconditional affection they give, pets can be a great source of comfort and security to seniors that tend to be isolated, which helps them to feel less lonely.

via Rita Altman, R.N.: The Benefits of Caring for a Pet.