{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2Fff68b7a6-f196-4396-b046-ec4e06b39678","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"<iframe style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px;\" title=\"040. Pets and Seniors\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allow=\"clipboard-write\" seamless src=\"http://player.captivate.fm/episode/ff68b7a6-f196-4396-b046-ec4e06b39678\"></iframe>","title":"040. Pets and Seniors","description":"In a study of seniors age 50 to 80, the benefits of pet ownership are obvious: 79% said that having a pet reduced stress. 73% said having a pet provides a sense of purpose. 65% said it allowed them to connect with others, and 64% said that having a pet help them to be more physically active.So instead of thinking you\u2019re \u201ctoo old\u201d for a pet, consider how it keeps you young. This week Senior Services Expert Lori Williams reviews the very real benefits of pet ownership along with guidelines to consider, such as lifestyle and living arrangements.Topics discussed:-\u00a0Companionship for seniors-\u00a0Benefits of pets-\u00a0Pets in senior communities-\u00a0Health and pet ownership-\u00a0Reducing stress and depression-\u00a0Choosing the right pet-\u00a0Best dogs for seniorsTakeaways from this episode:-\u00a0AARP studies show that pet owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol than their peers. If you had a heart attack in the past, pets can boost your chance at long-term survival.-\u00a0Owning a pet helps your mood by increasing dopamine and serotonin levels. Pets can often read your emotions and even respond to them.-\u00a0Pets are a great way to stay social - they help start conversation and reduce loneliness. They can also keep you active and engaged.-\u00a0When choosing the right pet, consider your living situation. Many senior communities allow animals but may have breed and weight restrictions.-\u00a0Be sure you have a plan for your pets in case something happens to you.-\u00a0If you\u2019re worried about energy levels or training, consider adopting a senior dog or a dog with the right temperament for your situation.Pets for the elderly:http://petsfortheelderly.org/Susie's Senior Dogs:https://susiesseniordogs.com/Articles about benefits of pets for seniors:https://www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2019/pets-boost-health.htmlhttps://www.aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2014/dog-owners-health-life-benefits-photo.html#slide2To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast please email Lori@Loriwilliams-seniorservices.com For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/1bfacc2a-972c-48e6-8bca-6af5306c63dc/23108943afb058f2fcf9e7824ffc27b8-square-big.jpg"}