When we talk about older people, as we do when we talk about children, we feel a certain responsibility so that they are always in the best possible way and make the most of the day.
According to several experts, the presence of an animal has extremely positive effects on humans, increasing endorphins, antioxidants and hormones, which protect neurons.In many countries, nursing homes have pets or work with therapy animals from non-governmental organizations.
- I’m sure you’ve wondered what pets do for older people.
- Can animals really help these people in the toughest times without additional concern?In this Animal Expert article.
- We will talk about pet therapy for the elderly.
- What are the different therapies and their respective impacts on society.
Animal-assisted therapies (TAA) are activities designed to improve a patient’s social, emotional, and cognitive appearance.The purpose of this contact between man and animal is to help the person receiving treatment or therapy.
It is scientifically proven that animals help calm and reduce anxiety, have much simpler communication than humans, so the relationship between the patient and animals is less complex than it would be between two humans.between the two is less stressful and therefore provides very positive results in treatment.
Not all animals can be good therapists. Generally, prepared and trained animals have a sociable, calm and positive character, essential characteristics of contact with people being treated, regardless of type.Dogs, cats and horses are most commonly used, but many other animals can be excellent therapists, including those considered “farm animals”.
Activities may vary depending on the type of animal therapy, as well as the type of treatment involved, here are the most common therapies:
Animal therapies have many benefits for older people and are especially suitable for people living alone or at home.
For a variety of reasons, a pet can be the help needed to increase self-esteem and a sense of usefulness that many people lose with age.Here are some of the benefits of animals for older people:
Because there are many benefits of a pet, many families choose to adopt elderly animals after therapy is complete, however, it is critical to remember that animals often exceed the life expectancy of guardians, so before making the therapy decision to adopt, it is necessary to ensure that a person will take care of the animal in case of death or hospitalization.
Animal therapies also bring physical benefits and delay some of the typical signs of aging, simply petting an animal causes a feeling of well-being and relaxation, lowering heart rate and blood pressure.We must not forget that at this stage of In Life, changes are very rapid.After retirement and family changes, many older people are discouraged because they cannot find new life plans.Incorporating an animal into these people’s homes can eliminate an “emotional vacuum” and increase self-esteem.
The exercises offered by therapists help improve people’s mobility and therefore their health.Playing with the animal is an essential activity to improve the bond between the elderly and the other family members and/or society to which they belong.excellent distraction that makes them forget about physical problems.The usual conversations about physical problems and illnesses are replaced by the adventures of the animal, the adventures he lives in common, the games he plays and the naps that sleep together.Dog walks on the street promote social interaction with other people, strengthen relationships with people of different ages, such as children and teenagers who want to play with the animal.
In Alzheimer’s patients, animal therapies are an excellent reinforcement of treatments, which greatly reduces the silence characteristic of this disease, since they talk to the animal, tell memories and memories, these therapies help to improve psychomotor skills , help to relax and therefore delay the deterioration of cognitive abilities.
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