Summer 2008, Volume 1, Issue 2
“Nursing homes that incorporated companion animal programs saw declines in prescription drug use by patients and in the total cost of care. Related studies found that people sharing homes with animals experienced fewer minor health problems and needed fewer medical appointments. Participants that lived with a dog reported a 50 percent decrease in minor health problems.”

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Health Benefits of Companion Animals

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The Daily HIT Blog
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Health Benefits of Companion Animals
By Christina Hering
An important indicator of seniors’ well-being is the ability to maintain their Activities of Daily Living (ADL). ADL levels decrease more slowly in seniors who have pets.15 Feelings of social isolation and depression are another key area of concern for the elderly. People, including strangers, usually react in a kindly manner when a companion animal is present, which can provide an easy way to begin conversations.5,6 And as anyone who has lived with an animal knows, the company of pets can help to alleviate feelings of loneliness.

These benefits for the elderly caught the eye of Mayo Clinic oncologist Edward T. Creagan, MD, who aptly summarized the value of animals in the lives of humans everywhere: “We all need something to live for and something to focus on, besides ourselves. Pets offer us unconditional love, which is of significant benefit to our overall well-being.”20

Christina Hering is a doctoral student at Cleveland Chiropractic College–Kansas City.

 

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