​Puppy Love For Older Adults
"Puppy love" is a term that can be used to describe anyone, even the elderly. The term has its most common use with youth, but it is not limited to that demographic. If you refer to an elderly person as "puppy loving," you are implying that they are experiencing the same feelings as teenagers. But is it really a good idea for older adults to express their love for a dog?
Creating a sense of purpose
Seniors can benefit from the companionship of a pet, as caring for a pet can provide a routine and a sense of purpose. Studies show that senior citizens who have pets are healthier and happier and are less likely to develop cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and obesity. Taking care of a pet is particularly beneficial for homebound seniors who may be at risk for depression and cognitive decline.
There are countless benefits of having a pet, but there are also unique challenges that come with caring for an animal. Dogs can provide companionship for older adults, while their owners can also benefit from their presence and company. Researchers studied the impact of pet ownership on the social and behavioral health of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. They found that adopting a puppy could improve the mental and physical well-being of older adults.
The study also revealed that dog owners reported lower levels of loneliness and lower incidence of illness. However, their socioeconomic status may have had an impact on the amount of exercise they completed. They also reported lower levels of social support. Dog owners who report lower levels of loneliness and less social isolation were more likely to own a pet. In the long run, taking care of a pet can increase an older adult's sense of purpose and responsibility.
Financial obligations
If you're an older adult and looking to add a puppy to your family, you may be wondering how to afford it. While some animals are much cheaper to care for, a puppy can cost upwards of $810 for its first year. Other low-maintenance pets, such as fish or birds, can cost only a few hundred dollars per year. You should plan ahead and determine your budget before adopting a puppy.
Walking a companion pet
Research shows that having a dog can help older adults reduce loneliness and improve their mental health. Dog walking may also boost the older adult's social engagement and increase overall physical activity. The benefits of dog walking for older adults may extend beyond just physical health, as it may improve psychological wellbeing as well. The benefits of walking a dog are numerous, including improved social interaction and a decreased risk for depression. A recent study of more than 500 older adults in Florida found that pet walking was beneficial to their psychological well-being.
While dogs are great companions, they do require daily walks. This can be time-consuming, especially for those with limited mobility. Seniors with dementia, for instance, may find walking a dog a difficult task. However, dogs provide a great deal of companionship and love. Although some older adults may not be able to take care of a dog, many of them are still capable of giving the animal affection.
While owning a pet may be difficult for older adults, walking a dog provides many benefits. Taking care of a pet not only gives seniors a sense of purpose and activity, but also reduces loneliness. And walking a dog can provide a chance to meet other pet lovers. This way, they can share their love for animals. And walking a dog also helps older adults connect to others in the community.
The physical benefits of walking a dog out for walks are significant. For instance, it helps the older adults stay physically active and keeps their digestive systems working well. Additionally, walking a dog offers physical exercise as well as fresh air. It also reduces stress and improves mood and spirits. Dogs are social animals, so walking a dog may be a wonderful way to meet neighbors and make new friends. You'll also enjoy the benefits of a dog's company.
If a small dog isn't right for you, an older dog may be the best choice for your situation. A small dog like a Yorkshire Terrier is highly adaptable and will fit in with your lifestyle and needs. It's important to remember that older dogs require less exercise than small or medium breeds. Keeping a dog around the home may be the right option for older adults with physical limitations.
Bobo's owner died of cancer
The family said they were heartbroken when Mrs. Bobo's cancer spread to her bones and caused her to die. In June 2012, Bobo's owner had a pleurectomy, which removes the lining of the lungs and one rib. The cause of her death is not known. Police have not yet determined the exact cause of death. A necropsy is expected to be performed.
After working with several Latin groups in New York, Mr. Bobo started his own band in Los Angeles in 1966. His band played in jazz clubs, concert halls, and Latin clubs. Bobo's wife Alicia and son Eric are left to grieve his death. A private service will be held for the musician. It is unclear how many fans will be mourning Mr. Bobo's death. But the loss of his music is felt far and wide.
Mary Phyllis Bobo was a native of Marshall County, IN. She was married for 64 years to Philip Bobo. She also owned Bobo Appliance Co. and Bobo Heating & Cooling. In addition to her love of hats, she was passionate about her family. In particular, she held a special place in her heart for the men in her life. And even though she loved her children, she had a soft spot for her husband and son, both of whom are now deceased.
The husband of Barbara Bobo died in 1997 after contracting asbestos-induced lung cancer in his work. His cancer had spread to his abdomen, lungs, and stomach. The cancer had taken its toll on the couple and Mrs. Bobo suffered multiple rounds of chemotherapy before she finally succumbed to her disease. She has since recovered. The wrongful death of her husband is a lesson to all of us. But it is still difficult to believe that such a small dog could have died of cancer.
References:
1) Johnson, R. A., & Gayer, A. (2008). Puppy love for older adults. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 34(1), 51-52.
2) Gravrok, J., Bendrups, D., Howell, T., & Bennett, P. (2022). ‘Thriving Through Relationships’ as a useful adjunct to existing theoretical frameworks used in human-companion dog interaction literature.
3) Elms, S., Stagnitti, M., Adamson, L., Stagnitti, K., & Jenkins, R. (2014). Report on the Delta Classroom Canines™ Program in Schools in Geelong/Bellarine Region.
By Serkan
