Do you think that elderly people should have an animal campanion?

(( Nicole)) asked:


Do you think that elderly people should have an animal Companion? Do you thinhk an animal can bring comfort and well-being to elder people? Explain.

Caffeinated Content for WordPress
Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google
This entry was posted on Sunday, September 27th, 2009 at 9:49 pm and is filed under Senior Citizens. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

26 Responses to “Do you think that elderly people should have an animal campanion?”

  1. da25@rocketmail.com Says:

    Caffeinated Content for WordPress

    yeah so they can have a reason to buy dog food

  2. sondra Says:

    Caffeinated Content

    yes i do. sometimes that is the only companionship they have and it can be a comfort to them and gives them something to take care of, it helps take their minds off some of their aches and pains too.

  3. Jackie Boo! Says:

    Caffeinated Content for WordPress

    I think it has been proved that having a pet does help a person emotionally. If they are able to take care of the pet, I think it is a wonderful idea. My mom had two pets that I remember, and they were a lot of company for her.When the first one passed away, we right away went out and got another one for her. It really helped her a lot.

  4. mister ed Says:

    Caffeinated Content for WordPress

    not unless they want one — i would not have a pet of any kind in the house!!!

  5. Ginger H Says:

    Caffeinated Content

    Sure, that’s why I married a biker.

  6. kare34235 Says:

    Caffeinated Content

    i think cats would be a better option as dogs need to be walked and i know the exercise is good but i think a cat is the best choice

  7. Caicos Turkey Says:

    Caffeinated Content

    It is well known that it is good for elderly people to have something to stroke and cuddle — so much so that in our local old people’s homes and the geriatric hospital they are actually given cuddly toys. But it is so much better to have a live pet (even of the non cuddly variety) to love and be loved by in return. I once knew a lovely old lady who went blind overnight. She told me that she felt no concern for herself — her main preoccupation was how she would manage to look after her budgerigar properly. I think that says it all.

  8. Na-Na Says:

    Caffeinated Content for WordPress

    I have asked what it was about horses that tends to help a child with disabilities.. Never have gotten an answer really, they have proven it to be effective in therapies with the kiddos. So yes I believe that it would benefit the elderly. Why who knows………….10/07

  9. .ROXY.sheila from oz. Says:

    Caffeinated Content for WordPress

    if they have always had a pet ,yes. pets are comforting, especially cats and dogs.it’s a focus point for unconditional love , they never criticise ,accept u as u are ,don’t mind if u have a bad day .
    it has been proven people who have pets recover sooner from illness,(this also applies to people who have family around them) and in general are more contented .i used to have cats and there is nothing more relaxing than a purring cat in ur lap .
    i now have a dog ,she keeps me exercised with walks every day ,in the park and on the beach and always there is an exchange of a few friendly words with other people.
    birds that sit on the finger and learn a few words are also very rewarding .
    some people don’t like animals near them ,never surprise them with a pet as it causes them stress ,and u will need to find another home for the pet.
    the elderly people i know who have pets often live for them and they keep going for the sake of their beloved pet companion.

  10. shermynewstart Says:

    Caffeinated Content for WordPress

    Yes. They can give comfort, affection, and with dogs, security. Even a small dog will bark if there’s someone at the door.

  11. Daisymae Says:

    Caffeinated Content

    Yes if they can take care of them. Having someone to care for and respond back is healthy. Congrats Roxy on your retirement!

  12. Grela LaTuc Says:

    Caffeinated Content for WordPress

    Definitely yes. My mother will soon be 87 and has dogs most of her life. It gives her something to get up for. The dog gives her unconditional love and companionship, let’s her know when someone is around. Plus she doesn’t have to walk the dog. She just has to get to the back door and let the dog out into the large fenced-in back yard.

  13. Autumn Leaves -- Boo! Says:

    Caffeinated Content for WordPress

    If they are able to take care of it and can afford one. Pets can be very expensive. And only if they want one, many people don’t want pets around.

  14. photobug Says:

    Caffeinated Content for WordPress

    yes most definitely

  15. rhumba girl Says:

    Caffeinated Content for WordPress

    If the person wants it and has the physical and financial means to take good care of it, then I think it’s a wonderful idea. Animals are great companions and mood elevators. My two dogs and cat are better than Prozac.

  16. typical not me Says:

    Caffeinated Content

    Not for me. I have Fibromyalgia and often do not have the energy to care for an animal. I **** litter boxes..they always smell. I am not able to walk a dog and I am sure not going to have **** in my yard and I would never be a **** scooper or a **** picker upper.

  17. Resi Says:

    Caffeinated Content for WordPress

    Yes there many reasons, if you ar healthy enough it will help you exercise, with letting them in and out every day.
    it is proven by dr.’s that it improves your health to own and stroke and love a cat or dog! It lowers your blood pressure…
    The sense of security and love and devotion you receive is priceless! If I can help in the selection in any way let me know..I an well read and I rescue.

  18. mdsweet1 Says:

    Caffeinated Content

    Yes, under certain circumstances, what better to aid in loneliness then a warm, fuzzy pet who will forever be true to you. You will not come home to a empty home when kitty/dog whichever if you have ,your buddy the pet. They are always happy to see you and they show it, no strings attached.

    It gives you a loveable cuddle, change water dish and feed or give a treat.

    Your living conditions are a big priority, wonderful if you live in a home where you can just open door and let them go run around and do their thing. Then if you are in apt, you put them on their leash and you both take a walk, most owners enjoy the walk also.
    In a senior bldg i.e. I live in, pets are allowed, but its a big difficulty when in the middle of night , your pet has to go out, particularly in winter. The folks I know do not seem to mind but I would, on the 3rd floor , as are others, I can’t rationalize it being fair to the pet either.

    The most logical indoor pet other than a fish, or bird, really is a cat, many have them, but we are not that stable on our feet, and kitties tend to get under foot.

    Its a big decision, think it out.

    Good Luck

    mdsweet1

  19. joanaporter Says:

    Caffeinated Content

    Only if they want the animal and are able to take care of it properly. An animal can be a comfort but many elderly people can’t/won’t take care of it and it isn’t fair to the animal.

  20. Alice in Wonderbra Says:

    Caffeinated Content

    An animal companion is such a joy and comfort to all. Elederly people who -after their children get married and leave home- stay alone, would find it much comfort to own an animal. to take care of.
    The only thing that should concern us, is that as much as a human is expecting from an animal, so much the animal is expecting from the human as well. The person should respect animal’s needs, take good care of it, love it, protect it. As in all relationships, the human - animal relationship should be a two way relationship. So that it can be fulfilling to both parties.

  21. Autumn leaves stir in my garden Says:

    Caffeinated Content

    We adopt many animals out as companions for Seniors but not the type most of you would think. The majority of customers who live alone are women and their new buddies are usually guinea pigs, parakeets, rabbits, or Cockatiels. Many times a relative comes with them to help pick out the pet. Sometimes we provide a free cage and supplies too. Senior Citizens are very responsible with pets. We do not enable people to become collectors or overwhelmed with the pet. Our concern is the pets care and the person’s happiness. Parakeets and Cockatiels are the favorite choices by far in our area.

  22. CJ Says:

    Caffeinated Content for WordPress

    Yes I do - providing that the Seniors are healthy! I have a cat and I will not part with her - - - even tho’ I am dying. However, she is in my will and goes to a beautiful no-kill home when I am gone with a suitable dowry! And with conditions. I have spelled out what she has to eat, how to clean her litter box, where she sleeps and other little details - including her Chrystal dishes that she eats off! Yes I am crazy (about her) and nutty as a fruit cake when it comes to animals. But she is one fat, pampered feline who loves me unconditionally and her life in my home!

  23. Snuffy Says:

    Caffeinated Content

    I enjoy my dawg for the companionship and comfort. She’s always non-judgemental and happy to see me around.

  24. intuitivechick Says:

    Caffeinated Content for WordPress

    It’s been proven that having an animal lowers your blood pressure and provides companionship. Check it out on the web.

  25. RITA Says:

    Caffeinated Content

    Yes . Everyone should . A dog is a man’s / woman’s best friend .

  26. Denise S Says:

    Caffeinated Content

    Yes, but some elderly cannot take care of their animals. Some animals rule the elderly. The animals can and do provide comfort and give the elderly company, and something real to love. The animals have saved lives of many elderly, and often are the last to see the elderly alive. The animals are loyal, most of them, and can even help the elderly in emergency situations.