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Many older Australian residents are living alone and feel isolated, which can lead to a decrease in quality of life. Pet therapy offers a unique solution that can help bring comfort, joy and companionship to older individuals who may otherwise be lonely.
Read on to explore everything about pet therapy, including the numerous physical and mental health benefits it can offer to seniors, taking a closer look at this therapeutic practice.
The Origins of Pet Therapy
The concept of pet therapy has been around since the mid-20th century and continues to grow in popularity around the world. Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, involves guided animal interactions and is an increasingly popular form of holistic treatment.
The therapy allows you to interact with animals in a safe and nurturing environment, which has numerous positive effects, from decreasing stress levels and reducing feelings of anxiousness to boosting self-esteem and overall morale. As the furry four-legged team builds relationships with you, it can provide a sense of companionship that fills the void of isolation seniors often experience.
Many retirement homes and nursing facilities offer programs in which residents can interact with pets on site or participate in visits from special animal therapy teams. This allows you to enjoy the health benefits of pet therapy while eliminating the responsibility of pet ownership.
Why pet therapy is so good for us
In Australia, seniors everywhere are turning to pet therapy to reap a number of mental and physical health benefits. Research has shown that older people who interact with animals experience decreased levels of stress and depression, improved immunity, lower blood pressure, increased ability to complete daily activities, improved communication abilities as well as enhanced quality of life. One of the main reasons for the latter could be attributed to the socialisation aspect, you not only connect with a therapy pet, but often form relationships with others through animals.
While long-term care is important for older people, initiatives such as pet therapy can greatly contribute to the physical, mental and emotional well-being of those living in Australia’s care facilities. Because seniors need care plans that cover all components of their physical and mental wellbeing, introducing them to pet therapy is an effective way to ensure they live healthier lives with assistance from companions that ease both pain and stress.