All around the world older people turn to pets for love and companionship. If you know of a senior who is alone and lonely, or who needs a good excuse to get outside every day, a pet can sometimes be a perfect solution. There can also be some problems associated with seniors having pets. Before you encourage an older person to get a pet, here are some important things to consider:
 
The Upside of Pets for Seniors

Pets Provide Love and Companionship

Even if they've had a disagreement with their owners, pets live for the moment and don't hold grudges. They may sulk for a moment, and then they return for more love. Pets will listen, no matter how repetitive we are. They make us feel needed and give us a reason to get up every morning. Many studies have shown that simply touching or holding a pet can reduce blood pressure and create a sense of well-being in the elderly.

Responsibility and Staying Active

Feeding, grooming, and exercising with a pet - either indoors or outdoors - keeps a senior active and moving. Taking the dog out for a walk offers the opportunity to meet other people while getting much-needed sunshine and exercise. Dogs like to stop and make the acquaintance of every new smell they meet. This exposes their seniors to stimulating new sights, sounds and smells, too.

The Downside of Pets for Seniors

Pets Create Additional Expenses

Many older people are living on very limited incomes. They cannot manage the additional costs of food and veterinary care on a tight budget.

Pets Can Tie You Down

A senior who finally has the freedom to travel may not want the worry of having to make arrangements for a pet. Seniors who can't afford to hire a pet sitter or pay for boarding may become more homebound than they would like because of their pets.

Seniors Worry About a Pet's Future

Quite a few seniors do not want another pet because they worry that they will become ill and not be able to care for their pet. They worry that their pet may not be able to come along if they have to move to a different living situation. Older people have also already experienced many losses in their lives. Some do not want to worry about the possible pain of another loss should their pet one day die.

Before You Encourage Your Senior to Adopt a Pet

You may think a new pet would be an excellent idea for your senior. Before you push the idea too strongly, talk it over together. Let your senior make the final choice about whether or not to adopt a pet. Will he or she be able to give a new pet the proper care and attention? Will the expense of bringing a pet home be something your elder can afford? Does your senior truly enjoy animals? Does your senior want to take on a commitment that could last many years at this time in his or her life?

Resist the impulse to get your senior a pet as a surprise unless you're more than willing to take the animal home with you. Whether to get a new pet or not must ultimately be your older person's personal decision.