Studies have been documented that petting a dog or cat lowers blood pressure in hypertensive patients and that older people show improved alertness when caring for a pet. Pets often seem to be especially valuable for some people experiencing major life chances, such as illness or the loss of a loved one. Depressions can often be avoided. Pets also encourage their owner to be more physically active by playing with them or taking them on a walk. Pets amuse us, make us laugh and improve our overall morale.Pet owners tend to remain more interested in events in their community and in their surroundings. They are not as lonely as perhaps they once were. They prevent or reduce absent-mindedness or bewilderment by communicating the sense of time and by maintaining a rhythm of the day. “forget oneself and ones problems” and to “live one’s free time in a meaningful and interesting way”.
Studies have indicated that pets reduce stress more than the presence of a good friend. Other research has demonstrated that pets enhance self-esteem and decrease disturbed psychological functioning. Ory and Goldberg (1983) found that older persons who were strongly attached to their pets also reported being happier. Similarly, Garrity, Stallone, Marx, and Johnson (1989) found that older persons who reported a stronger attachment to their pets correlated with lower self-report of depression. Savishinsky (1985) found that pets triggered the memories of nursing home residents. When the visiting pets were present many residents talked about their childhood pets, reminisced about their childhood, and increased communication with other residents and their own family members. Residents from rural backgrounds often related their experiences with the farm animals.
In this story you can see life and love between old people and animals introduced through photos…
