We know that a dog brings us numerous benefits on a physical and emotional level , however, when it comes to older people, the benefits multiply.
Dogs and the elderly
We have a very good experience and example with Uma.
Twice a week we usually visit my uncles, two elderly people over 85 years old without children, and the day we go without Uma, they already ask about her and why we haven’t taken her.
And it is already a condition that we always go with her and Uma loves it: the first thing they do is give her her slice of ham and during the hours that we are there, there is no shortage of caresses and ball throwing.
Just by seeing how their faces change, there isn’t a day that we don’t go without the dog.
The excitement of seeing her, how relaxing it is for them to caress her (because nothing else, but Uma never gets tired of caresses) and the foolishness of throwing the ball makes them move more, which we appreciate to prevent them from atrophying. and move your joints a little more.
So, it is not difficult to explain the reasons why therapy dogs are becoming more common with older people :
They promote physical activity
Elderly people who live alone are forced to go out for a walk so that their dog can relieve itself, so with that excuse the person walks and at home, they are also forced to play, which makes them move more.
With this, the elderly person is carrying out a physical activity that they might not do without a dog, thus preventing heart problems, regulating blood pressure, improving diabetes problems, strengthening joints, etc.
Promote emotional health
It is no surprise that many seniors find themselves and/or feel alone.
The company of a dog is very beneficial for your emotional health as it helps reduce stress, reduce problems caused by depression, increase socialization and participation in more activities, etc., which overall causes the old man is in a better mood.
They promote mental health
An older person who normally lives alone and has no other activity than watching television, can go further with the dog, since they can interact with it by talking to it, teaching it tricks, creating a schedule routine to feed it, walk it or take it to the vet.
Therapy dogs in senior centers
If a single dog can change the life of an elderly person, it is normal that centers and residences for the elderly, among many activities, include therapies with dogs.
Of course Uma would be a perfect candidate because there is nothing she likes more than being with people who pay attention to her, play with her and caress her.
Never get overwhelmed!
And there is no specific breed of dog that helps as a therapy dog, any dog, regardless of breed, if it is a balanced and sociable dog can be a perfect candidate to spread love.
Another thing is a dog that an elderly person can live with. In these cases, small and more «lazy» breeds are ideal: breeds or crossbreeds such as pugs, French bulldogs, poodles, etc., are perfect for older people who want to share their life with a dog.
Fortunately, it is increasingly common to see nursing homes, day centers for the elderly or temporary stay centers, which among all the activities they offer of a care, recreational or therapeutic nature, include therapy with dogs.
This is a good example, carried out at the Allegra day center , where little Lila delighted her elders with her tricks:
What research says about dogs and the elderly
Studies carried out by different scientists are increasingly common in which it has been shown how the human body secretes different hormones when in contact with dogs.
These hormones, serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin, affect mood, reducing, as I have mentioned previously, stress, which causes, in addition to all the benefits that I have mentioned previously, the slowing of memory loss.
As you can see, everything is beneficial when it comes to the relationship between dogs and humans, and if our elders deserve anything, it is to be able to relate to an animal as grateful, loyal and affectionate as the dog.
