The Elderly & their pets - that most unique of bonds

Many of us are pet and animal lovers, and the pet owners among us know and understand well that special bond between ourselves and our pets. But if there is one relationship which runs deeper than most, and as such is unique, it is the bond that exists between older people and their pets.

Pets make a difference to their elderly owners

Many elderly people go shopping to get food for their pets, often when they woulnd't bother if they just had themselves to feed. Some put the heating on or turn it up to keep their pet warm. Frequently, the pet is all the elderly person has left in the world.

For the elderly, pets are a wonderful source of companionship at a time when many are lonely. Their spouse may have passed away, as may many of their friends, so their social networks are diminishing, and many receive little support from their families.  In 2004, the WVRS reported that one in ten elderly people sees no-one on a typical day. 20% of old people are 'often' or 'always' lonely. No wonder pets play such an important role in providing comfort, companionship and love. In 2003, the Pet Care Trust's survey discovered that 80% of older people thought their pet offered unconditional love and companionship and prevented loneliness.

Many old people find that it’s easier to meet and talk to people when you have a pet. They have to get out and about to exercise with their pet.  Animals encourage old people to move, simply even the act of bending down to stroke a cat or dog helps. 

Nowhere is the bond between people and animals of such a magical nature as it is with the elderly and their pets, particularly when the pet may be the one remaining link the animal has with their deceased spouse.  

Authorities need to understand this bond

One characteristic about life today is that the powers that be don’t seem to be able to function without talking about measuring effects, outcomes, results, specific benefits. There are places for these things. But love and companionship don’t fall into these categories - they are priceless, and they are what makes the difference between an institution and a care home.  They are sit in the heart and soul of what we all are. 

Life becomes meaningless pretty quickly without love and companionship, and the ability to nurture and feel wanted. Pets offer our elderly people all these things and make life worth living for many old folk.

It's up to the rest of us to recognise that the bond is a special one; and to do what we can to uphold it.  

Pets matter to elderly people

Studies by researchers Dr June McNicholas and Dr Glyn Collis at Warwick University show that elderly people who had to give up their pets when going into care homes:  

• were less likely to regard the residence as ‘home’
• took longer to make friends and were less likely to join in social activities  
• had more problems sleeping and were more likely to need sleeping tablets while adjusting; 
• we re reluctant to confide in staff the reasons for their happiness, feeling these emotions would not be understood or brushed aside.