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Can Pet Ownership Improve the Health of Baby Boomers?

As our population ages, health concerns among the Baby Boom generation affect all of us in some way. So what if there was a natural way to help lower blood pressure, increase activity and ward off depression for seniors? There is - pet ownership. That’s right, a number of studies by respected researchers have proved the positive benefits the Boomers derive from the companionship of a pet. That’s why animal rescue shelters across the nation encourage pet adoptions by members of this generation. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

Dr. Diane Pomerance, certified grief recovery specialist and author of the new book, “Pet Parenthood: Adopting the Right Animal Companion For You” says the companionship of a pet is a big boost for the Baby Boom generation. “When they feel isolated because their families are far away and they’re all alone, the love and connection they feel with a dog or cat can dramatically change their outlook,” says Dr. Pomerance. “A pet provides a sense of purpose and helps ward off isolation and depression.”

Researchers have discovered a multitude of physical, mental and emotional benefits of pet ownership for seniors. Pets help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and keep seniors more active—whether they have a dog or cat. According to the Pets for the Elderly Foundation, senior pet-owners also take better care of themselves and have 21% fewer visits to the doctor compared to non-pet owners, with shorter hospital stays than the average person. Animal companions can also help them deal with grief and loss, which unfortunately, are common issues for Baby Boomers.

“No one likes talking about death, but the fact is, as we get older and start outliving our friends, our spouses and our siblings, we face tremendous loss and loneliness,” says Pomerance. “The unconditional love of a pet can be a great comfort when you’re grieving and struggling to deal with a roller coaster of emotions.”

While the benefits of pet ownership are indeed great, seniors need to make some careful considerations before heading to a shelter to adopt a pet. Dr. Pomerance has come up with a list of questions they should ask to determine how to choose the best pet for their situation:

1. Do I have enough space for the type of pet I want?

2. Do I want a pet that is full of energy, or one that is mellow?

3. Am I able to take my pet for walks?

4. Do I have time to regularly feed and exercise my animal companion?

5. Can I handle cleaning a litter box or cleaning up after a dog?

6. Is the pet’s temperament suited to mine?

7. Do I understand the costs involved in caring for this pet?

8. If I become seriously ill or die, who will care for my pet?

Pomerance stresses that pet adoption is a lifetime commitment and responsibility that requires much thought and planning. “I strongly encourage Baby Boomers to adopt pets because it helps the person and the pet,” says Dr. Pomerance. “But people need to be fully prepared for what’s truly involved in caring for that animal. That’s why it’s so important to be sure that you choose a pet that’s a good fit for your lifestyle, personality and living arrangements.”

Available at: www.animalcompanionsandtheirpeople.com

About the Author

Diane Pomerance received her Ph.D. in Communications from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She is certified as a Grief Recovery Specialist by the internationally recognized Grief Recovery Institute. She counsels those grieving from any loss; however, she has a special interest in those mourning the loss of a beloved animal companion. The loss of a pet can be devastating to adults as well as children. Dr. Pomerance created, established, and serves as director of the Pet Grief Counseling Program for the SPCA of Texas. In addition to serving as an active volunteer for the SPCA of Texas, she is also an active member of K9 Friends Visiting Therapy Dogs, and the Alaskan Malamute Assistance League. She is frequently interviewed as a highly qualified “pet expert” on national television and radio programs and has been interviewed in many newspapers and magazines including the Ladies Home Journal, Los Angeles Daily News, The Dallas Morning News, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Washington Times, Redbook, Quick and Simple and Woman’s World. She has been an online expert for Cat Fancy Magazine and a guest expert on Fox and Friends, The Montel Williams Show and the nationally syndicated Your Health. She is the author of numerous articles and the highly acclaimed children’s books, When Your Pet Dies, Animal Companions: Your Friends, Teachers & Guides, Animal Companions in our Hearts, Our Lives, and Our World; Animal Elders: Caring About Our Aging Animal Companions, and FINDING PEACE After the loss of a Loved Animal Companion. She lives in North Texas with her husband and their eighteen canine “kids.”

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