Content
- What types of animal therapies are most used?
- Can any animal undergo therapy?
- What activities can a therapy animal perform?
- Benefits of living with animals for the elderly
- more than pets
When we talk about elderly people, as happens when we talk about children, we feel a certain responsibility so that they can always meet in the best possible way and enjoy the days to the full.
According to several experts, the presence of an animal has extremely positive effects on people. It increases endorphins, antioxidants and hormones, which protect neurons. In many countries, nursing homes have companion animals or work with non-governmental organization therapy animals.
You've probably wondered what pets do to elderly people. Can animals really help these people in the most difficult times without implying an extra worry? In this article by PeritoAnimal, we will talk about animal therapy for seniors, what are the different therapies and their repercussions on society.
What types of animal therapies are most used?
Animal-assisted therapies (AAT) are activities aimed at improve social, emotional and cognitive aspects. of a patient. 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 to calm and reduce anxiety. They have much simpler communication than humans, and for that reason the relationship between patient and animal is less complex than it would be between two humans. In this way, the relationship between the two is less stressful and, therefore, brings very positive results in the treatment.
Can any animal undergo therapy?
Not all animals can be good therapists. Generally, animals that are groomed and trained have a charactersociable, calm and positive, essential characteristics for contact with people who are receiving treatment of any kind. The most common is dogs, cats and horses, but many other animals can be excellent therapists, including those considered "exploitation animals".
What activities can a therapy animal perform?
The activities may change depending on the type of animal that performs the therapy, as well as the type of treatment in question. These are the most common therapies:
- Therapy for depression
- active communication
- company and affection
- Games and fun
- mental stimulation
- Learning
- Socialization
- Physical activity
- sense of usefulness
Benefits of living with animals for the elderly
They exist many benefits of animal therapies for the elderly and are especially suitable for people living in homes or alone.
For several reasons, a pet can be the help needed to increase self-esteem and the sense of usefulness that many people lose as they get older. Here are some of the benefits of pets for seniors:
- They regain the sense of usefulness.
- They improve the functioning of the immune system, reducing the risk of getting sick or getting allergies.
- Increase the degree of daily activity.
- Reduce stress.
- They reduce the risk of depression due to loneliness.
- Lowers blood pressure and heart problems.
- It facilitates communication with others and helps with reintegration into society.
Because there are several benefits that a pet brings, many families choose to adopt animals suitable for the elderly, after completing the therapy. However, it is essential to remember that animals often exceed the life expectancy of their guardians. For this reason, before making the adoption decision, it is necessary to ensure that someone will take care of the animal in case of death or admission to a hospital.
more than pets
At animal therapies they also provide physical benefits and delay some of the typical signs of aging. The simple gesture of petting an animal causes a feeling of well-being and relaxation, lowering the heart rate and blood pressure. We cannot forget that, at this stage of life, changes are very fast. After the reform and family changes, many elderly people end up getting discouraged because they don't find new life projects. The incorporation of an animal in these people's homes can eliminate some "emotional emptiness" and raise self-esteem.
The exercises proposed by the therapists help to improve people's mobility and, consequently, their health. At games with the pet they are an essential activity to improve the bond between the elderly and the rest of the family and/or society to which they belong. Animals are an excellent distraction that makes them forget their physical problems. Regular conversations about the physical problems and diseases they suffer from are replaced by the pet's adventures, the adventures they live together, the games they play and the naps they sleep together. Walks with the dog on the street promote social interaction with other people, strengthen bonds with people of various ages, such as children and teenagers who want to play with the animal.
US Alzheimer patients, animal therapies are an excellent booster for treatments. It considerably reduces the characteristic mutism of this disease, since they talk to the animal telling memories and memories. These therapies help to improve psychomotricity, help to relax and consequently delay the deterioration of cognitive abilities.
