It’s not unusual for people in later life to decide to adopt or buy their own pet after many years of not having one.
It’s a great thing to do if you live alone or don’t live close to friends and family. Having a pet of some sort can make a big change in your life, it can be the difference from being lonely to having companionship.
Not only can they keep you company and occupied it is also said they can improve your health & wellbeing. A study at Cambridge University shows older people with pets report less headaches, coughs and colds. Other studies show pet owners are less likely to have a heart attack as simply watching a fish swim or stroking a dog can reduce your heart rate.
How Owning A Pet Can Help Depression
Owning a pet can also stop you from becoming isolated and depressed. For example when walking a dog not only does it keep you fit and active but you get to socialise with other people on your walks and some people say they feel safer having a pet in their home and while walking to the shops.
Things To Consider
When thinking what to buy you must consider which one would best suit your lifestyle and current circumstance. Dogs needs regular exercise, birds, rabbits and other small animals need to be cleaned out regularly and cats need regular meals and lots of affection! It’s also not cheap to look after any pet, you need to consider if you have enough money for food, bedding, toys, vaccines, vet bills and to flea and worm them.
What Happens If Things Change?
If your circumstances mean that you are unable to keep your companion you shouldn’t worry. There are Dog Trusts and rehoming centres across the UK that would be able to collect your pet and rehome them. As sad as this would be, you need to think about what would be best for your beloved pet.
On the bright side owning a pet can bring plenty of joy and happiness whether you live alone or with your partner and it can make the years in later life a lot more active and fun!