How Pets Can Help Fight Loneliness on Seniors- Batman & Robin

 

 Robin grooming the feet and legs of Batman( My Two Buddies)

 

My two kitties, Batman & Robin have been a pleasure so far. Taking Care of them gives me more exercise and less time watching TV on Netflix or Amazon Prime. The two play together, groom each other, sleep and cuddle together but have separate bowl for food and water.  Robin although younger is more dominant/aggressive and Batman is very patient to please him. 

 

Batman( black face is older by 4 weeks) but like being dominated by Robin ( white face). I cleaned the litter box twice a day. I cleaned the food and water bowl also daily. I let them seat on my lap, morning, noon and evening. Otherwise I let them roam around between the bathroom and the Guest Room and Hallway. They are still forbidden in my bedroom and computer room. Evidently I will allow them to the Family room, formal Dining Room, Kitchen and Utility Room. They are not allowed in the Living Room because of the house plants in my big picture window. I have purchased a free standing 4-panel door Gate to kept them away from my house plants in the Living Room.      

Batman and Robin enjoy cuddling in my Chair in the Guest Room

 

Robin cuddling( claws and feet intertwined) with Batman in my Computer Chair in the Guest Room

 

Meanwhile enjoy this article on how Pets can help fight loneliness in Seniors especially those living alone.

 

Loneliness in seniors is on the rise. One in five Americans say that they feel lonely and nearly half of our seniors say they often feel lonely. Loneliness can affect you physically and mentally. According to a new study of social isolation published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in May, loneliness doesn’t just affect your moods. It can affect your health and especially your heart.

But here’s the good news. A new survey by Home Instead, Inc. says that regular interaction with animals can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness in older adults. Researchers found that petting a dog, holding a cat or watching a bird can brighten up the mood of a lonely senior.

Stress relief

Spending time with a pet releases endorphins. Endorphins have a calming effect and reduce levels of stress. This is especially good for patients who suffer from dementia.  Dementia patients can become stressed when they are unable to communicate with people or are unable to express their ideas or feelings. Having pets around allows them to bond with animals without relying on any language.

Self-Confidence

Spending time with pets gives seniors a sense of purpose and boosts their self-confidence and improves self-esteem. Seniors feel independent and happily take on the responsibility of owning a pet.

Exercise

Seniors who own pets are more likely to get recommended levels of exercise. As a result, they have lower blood pressure and less stress. Exercise also improves motor skills and reduces the risk of joint stiffness, falls and pain. Seniors with arthritis especially benefit from petting an animal. Seniors with a risk of heart disease also benefit from spending time with a pet, because this positively spent time helps to lower blood pressure levels. Interacting with animals actually lessens the perception of pain and discomfort.

The chance to socialize with other people

Not everyone wants to own a pet. But don’t worry: seniors experience the same positive feelings even when they visit with pets owned by family, friends or neighbors. Even interactions for half an hour a week can make a difference. For details visit the following site:

 https://whitneyrehab.com/how-pets-can-help-fight-loneliness-in-seniors/

Meanwhile enjoy this dish I ordered from Shef.com the other day

My Fried Pompano( Shef.com)-I added more onions and a dash of Peppercone Chile Oil for a little hotness...Yummy!