How Pets Can Help Seniors With Mobility Issues

With a reported 57% of all British households owning at least one pet, it’s no surprise that the UK has earned a reputation as a nation of pet lovers. Our furry friends often become integral members of the family, providing not only companionship but a sense of purpose too. 

For an elderly person, the prospect of owning a pet might seem a challenge at first, but research has shown that there are significant benefits of having pets. Pets play a vital role in enhancing emotional well-being, encouraging physical activity and fostering stronger social connections. In this blog we’ll be exploring the benefits of pets for the elderly, taking a look at the suitability of different pets and breeds and how owning one can aid physical therapy.

What pets are best for the elderly?

When it comes to choosing the perfect pet for an elderly individual, several factors come into play including; temperament, care requirements, size and lifestyle compatibility. Let’s explore what pets are best for the elderly in more detail.

Dogs

Dogs, man’s best friend, are known for their affectionate nature and are a great option for those looking to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Despite the belief that all dogs require excessive exercise, there are some breeds that have lower energy levels and walking demands that may be more well-suited for older adults.

Greyhounds and Whippets

Greyhounds and Whippets are long, slender dogs, best known for their calm and gentle nature. Despite their connotations as a racing dog, these breeds are quite the couch-potato and sleep around 16 hours a day. These dogs only require moderate exercise in short bursts of between 20 to 30 minutes at a time. This, along with their minimal grooming needs and calming nature, makes Greyhounds and Whippets a superior choice for an elderly person.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu’s are low energy dogs which makes them suitable for seniors who might not be able to engage in long walks or vigorous play but still want to reap the benefits of having a dog. Classed as toy dogs, Shih Tzu’s are perfectly suited to small spaces and are generally sedentary and calm. With their quirky personalities, small stature and low exercise needs, this humble breed is another great option for a seniors.

Corgi

Commonly referred to as the queen’s dog, the Corgi is a small, smart dog eager to please its owner, which makes training a doddle. Despite their bubbly character, Corgi’s aren’t built for high-intensity exercise and have manageable energy levels, allowing an elderly individual to enjoy some activity without feeling overwhelmed. This, coupled with their affectionate nature makes owning a Corgi a great choice for an elderly person who will receive all the great physical and emotional benefits of having a dog.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

While considering what pets are best for the elderly, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should also be on your radar. Despite coming from the Spaniel genus, known for their excessive fitness requirements, the Cavalier is a smaller breed with a sweet disposition and prefers fuss to walks. Their affectionate nature and limited exercise requirements mean the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is frequently touted as one of the best breeds for seniors.

Cats

Cats provide all the same great benefits of having pets, without the same level of responsibility or demand as a dog.

Cats, in their nature, are self-sufficient animals and require far less care and attention than other animals. Cats are content with exercising through exploring different parts of the home, playing with interactive toys, and roaming outdoors. As a result, they don’t require constant interaction or supervision by their owners, allowing an elderly person to benefit from the company of a cat, without feeling restricted or overwhelmed by their needs. Additionally, cats are clean animals naturally inclined to groom themselves further reducing their dependency on an owner.

Birds

Keeping birds is a popular choice among the elderly because of their intelligent, inquisitive and social nature. While pet birds require daily feeding and fresh water, their overall care is generally low maintenance. Birds are adept at grooming themselves and, although they enjoy the occasional misting, do not require extensive bathing routines as with cats and dogs.

In the UK, many pet birds, such as budgies, are housed in cages. This, along with their minimal care needs, allows elderly individuals to easily incorporate some physical activity into their routine while looking after them. The typically compact size of a bird cage means they are accessible for seniors to maintain, making owning a bird particularly suitable for those living in a small space like a retirement home or apartment.

Birds are a great choice for individuals who are limited by how far they can walk. This is because birds will get most of their exercise and enrichment through interacting with colorful objects in their cage, responding to different sounds around the home and chirping with their owner. Birds will often communicate with their owners, with some species, including the African Grey Parrot, being able to memorise and relay more than 1,000 words. Because of this, pet birds form a strong social bond with their owners which can be mentally stimulating for a senior and provide great emotional support too.

How can pets help your mobility?

As we age, maintaining mobility and exercise becomes increasingly important for our physical health and mental well-being. Pets can play a vital role in this and often provide the necessary motivation to stay physically active in addition to creating a routine supporting a healthier lifestyle.

Physical activity

One of the many benefits of having pets is the encouragement to engage in daily physical exercise, and going for a dog walk can support regular movement. This is essential for strengthening muscles, improving joint flexibility and enhancing balance and coordination. Additionally, engaging in group walks, feeding and playful interactions with a dog also provides gentle exercises which contribute to better overall physical activity, gradually enhancing mobility over time.

Routine and purpose

Owning a pet creates a sense of routine and purpose in daily life. The responsibilities and requirements of owning a pet can help an elderly person to feel more motivated, which is particularly important if they live alone or feel isolated. This sense of purpose encourages them to get up and participate in different activities throughout the day which increases their mobility and becomes part of a rewarding daily schedule.

Vet checks

Having your pet regularly seen by a vet promotes not only the health of the animal but also benefits the owner. These vet appointments provide an opportunity to get out of the house, engage in some light exercise and support mental health and wellbeing too.

Boosts cardiovascular health

Regular activities such as taking your dog for a walk or playing with a cat and its toys can help boost cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and improving heart rate. This provides a two-fold benefit of having pets as these physical activities help elderly individuals to remain active and healthier.

Socialisations

A significant part of owning a pet is the shared connection that can be fostered with others. For elderly individuals who may be experiencing loneliness, may find that engaging in their local community by way of their pets can lead to meaningful interactions. Pet ownership offers the opportunity to form new friendships and relationships that enhance well-being and encourage physical activity.

Increased energy levels

Pets boost energy levels in the elderly by encouraging physical activity, reducing stress, and providing companionship. Regular exercise, like walking, improves mobility and prevents a sedentary lifestyle. A combination of physical, mental and emotional benefits help seniors stay active, energised and engaged, enhancing their overall quality of life.

Building strength

Regularly caring for a pet can be physically demanding, with routine tasks such as walking a dog or cleaning a bird's cage demanding a lot of physical energy. However, these tasks can also help to build strength in the muscles of the arms and legs. Over time, this improved strength and coordination can contribute to increased mobility.

What to consider before getting a pet

The prospect of pet ownership is an exciting one, but you shouldn’t feel influenced by their adorable and caring nature before considering the responsibilities required in making this commitment. Here’s what to consider before getting a pet.

Ability to care for an animal

Before looking at getting your pet, it’s important to consider your own personal abilities and whether or not you can accommodate your needs and those of the pet too. Some animals, like dogs, will require regular walks, training and social interaction, whilst other animals, like birds, require less dedication. Assess whether or not your body is physically capable of owning a pet. Think about what is required in order to feed and clean them and consider what this journey might look like five or ten years into the future. Whilst considering if this is the best decision for you, it’s important to question what is best for the animal.

Age of the pet

The age of the pet you want can have a big impact on your experience of pet ownership and you should consider whether or not your lifestyle suits their needs. Puppies and kittens are far more likely to be physically demanding, with their excessive energy levels, they require constant monitoring and significant time to training.

On the contrary, an adult pet is likely to be more settled with established behaviors and set routines making them easier to care for. Older pets can provide the necessary companionship an elderly individual desires, without the physical intensity of a younger one.

Affordability

An important and often overlooked aspect of owning a pet is affordability. From weekly food shops to occasional vet checks, monthly grooming and yearly vaccinations, owning a pet can be costly, and these expenses often appear unexpectedly. Whilst it’s difficult to prepare for these difficult moments, it is crucial to budget ahead of time and consider how much you’ll need to spend in order to support the needs of a pet. Assess whether you can afford to own a pet under different situations, such as if your financial circumstances change. Think about obtaining pet insurance in order to reduce costly veterinary bills, and lastly, consider whether you can afford to own a pet without compromising your own needs.

Discover how our mobility aids can support your lifestyle

At the heart of pet ownership and a fulfilling life is the ability to move freely and more independently. Our rise and recline chairs, adjustable beds and bath lifts can help make it easier for you to enjoy the benefits of having pets.

Our rise and recline chairs provide the perfect spot to relax after a dog walk, offering support and comfort as you unwind with your furry friend. Meanwhile, our range of fully adjustable beds allows you to find an ideal sleeping position which supports a more restful sleep, ensuring you wake up feeling more refreshed and ready for another day with your beloved animal.

Request a brochure today and discover how our mobility aids can support your lifestyle.