Loneliness_in_the_Elderly

Do Pets Alleviate Loneliness in the Elderly' Statistics show that when the elderly have a support system, especially when it comes from someone they care about, their lives are happier, and they live in better health longer. This happens even if the one they care about is a pet. The Centers for Disease Control reports, “Even pets can help decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels, as well as alleviate feelings of loneliness, and the depression that can result.” (http://www.emaxhealth.com/116/7837.html) “Older people who are abused or neglected are three times more likely to die from heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and accidental injuries than those who are not abused. They are also more likely to commit suicide (Bailey)(p222).” Taking care of a pet might help older adults to Taking care of a pet has proven to reduce stress levels. If an elderly person does not have enough of a human support system, a dog, a cat, or some other pet could give a lonely, elderly person a sense of purpose that is essential to good physical and emotional well-being. The older person now becomes caregiver and which gives them more to live for, and helps them to be more active since they have to get up to walk the dog, or change the cat litter. http://ezinearticles.com/'Latest-Studies-Prove-Pet-Owners-Live-Longer&id=1935417 Emotional needs are also met. If The next benefit to elderly people that own pets is their emotional needs. Pets provide companionship and friendship that may be difficult to find in other humans. Pets are loyal, loving, affectionate, helpful, and non-negotiating. Some people really enjoy that they don't need to engage in social niceties with their pets; they can just get along and spend companionable time together. Some studies have shown that a large percentage of people who own pets say that their dog, cat, or bird are their best friend. That speaks a lot about the health and emotional benefits of these loving animals. Pets also help people interact with other human beings, such as neighbors or people in the community. When a person is involved in their community, and interacts socially with humans on a regular basis, their lifespan is supposedly increased. There have been links that tie owning pets to increased interaction in the community, though scientists are not quite sure of the link yet. Pets are loving, affectionate companions. They help people of all ages emotionally and physically; however, those in the elderly community seem to reap the most benefits of owning a pet. It also keeps them active and happy, living by the side of their best friend. In a country of China where the elderly enjoy high status, respect is traditionally regarded as something earned with age. This is not the general feeling that we have here in America. The western way of thinking celebrates and over-focuses on youth and vitality. Efforts are being made to correct this situation, but it will take much effort by not only federal and local governments, but more so within our own little communities and families. If we use China as an example, respect for elders is developed through action by each individual. “Respect for the elderly is manifested through the custom of allowing the elderly people to go first, giving up seats to them on buses and generally deferring to them, helping them out and respecting their opinions and advice.” (factsanddetails.com/China) Here in America, staying young as long as possible is a driving force instead of “respect for elders being the basis for the way society is organized,” which is China’s foundation. It is reported that the elderly are very satisfied because of that societal honor and care. .(factsanddetails.com/China) In America, older people are often considered a burden rather than a resource of value. Health care problems also impact the elderly, along with financial challenges. Public attitudes are also a problem. Older Americans are trying to increase awareness of needed rights through political routes, but it is an upward battle because of the youthful focus. (http://seniorcitizens.org) An interesting fact within our nation is that African American and Latino are more likely to be members of extended family support than whites. The support of loved ones cannot be emphasized enough as to its importance for happy, healthy aging adults. (text p212) Bibliography http://www.emaxhealth.com/116/7837.html factsanddetails.com/China http://seniorcitizens.org Segal, Elizabeth A., Karen E. Gerden, Sue Steiner, An Introduction to the Profession of Social Work: Becoming a Change Agent, 3rd Edition. 2010, 2007 Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.