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Cats for the elderly: a constant companion can help overcome problems of ageing
12 April
2000
Retirement, debilitating illness, relocation from family homes to smaller
premises and the loss of partners and friends are just some of the challenges
the elderly face each day, all of which can lead to a sense of loneliness
and insecurity.
A companion animal, such as a cat, may help the elderly cope better
with these common challenges.
Many studies have been carried out to explore the relationship between
pets and their owners and the psychological and physiological benefits
they derive through pet ownership.
"Loneliness is often cited as the worst aspect of ageing and owning
a pet is acknowledged by many experts and elderly people as a way of
decreasing these feelings of loneliness and isolation", Wendy Buchanan,
Registered Psychologist said.
Cats are ideal pets for older people as they are physically less demanding
than some pets which are often too active for elderly people to care
for, in particular, elderly people with debilitating illnesses.
"According to several studies1, cat or pet ownership helps promote
mental stability, offers comfort in times of loss and stress and provides
constant companionship", Ms Buchanan said.
"It is the strong attachment to an animal companion and the need
for nurturing and meaningful daily activities which can help reduce
the effects of depression, anxiety and loneliness"
Research has also found that animals help foster extended social contact.
In fact, strangers are more likely to approach and speak to a person
with an animal.
"Cat ownership, as with children, promotes a sense of responsibility
and makes elderly people feel like they are in control though assuming
the key responsibility for caring for someone else."
References:
1. Companion Animals, Attitudes Towards Pets, And Health Outcomes Among
The Elderly: A Long-Term Follow-Up. Dan Lago, Mary Delaney, Melody Miller
and Claire Grill. A seven year study 1982 -1989.
Pet Ownership And Attachment As Supportive Factors In The Health Of
The Elderly. Thomas Garrity, Lorann Stallones, Martin Marx and Timothy
Johnson.
Background on Wendy Buchanan
Wendy Buchanan is a registered Psychologist based in Sydney, New South
Wales. Her varied career has included radio journalism and radio talkback
overseas and Australia, and counselling and hypnotherapy.
She later spent time in the USA being trained in family and relationship
counselling and completing a University degree in Psychology.
Currently Wendy has a practice in Lindfield where in addition to individual
and couple counselling, she runs groups for self-esteem and personal
growth.
Wendy is also a consultant to the National Trauma Clinic, where she
does trauma counselling, trauma education workshops and general supportive
counselling in Employee Assistance Programs.