Who knew that New Zealand has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world with roughly 4.6 million companion animals? Quite the statistic.
Owning animals is generally for companionship but there are more benefits to having a pet in retirement than simply enjoying their company.
For some, pets help make retirement years more fun, more comfortable, and happier. Well known insurers, NZ Seniors, reached out to pet owners about the benefits pets bring to their lives. From cuddles and snuggles, to friendship and lowered blood pressure, here are some of the results.
1. Pets can help establish a routine
After years of waking up to an alarm, making breakfast and running out the door to work, retirement can be a shock to the system.
Although pets may not be as demanding as office work days, they can help establish a routine at home – from mealtimes to daily exercise, grooming, playtime and even afternoon siestas!
In fact, the caring for a pet can result in a sense of purpose and lessen loneliness and social isolation.
2. Pets keep us active
Dogs in particular, encourage owners to move more. Taking your canine for a daily walk is good exercise while walking your dog a few times per week can improve cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, build stronger muscles and bones (by regular walking) and decrease stress.
Where possible, seniors should aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least five days a week. This could be a brisk walk or chasing a new puppy around the yard with the grandchildren. Even tossing a ball to your dog in the garden can add some incidental exercise to life.
3. Pets help us socialise
Dogs also get owners out and about, meeting other dog owners on walks and at parks. Other animals also encourage socialising, for example at the vet during check-ups or at animal ownership clubs. When pets are absent, they can be still be a talking point, facilitating friendships within a neighbourhood. This can also translate into new sources of social support.
4. Pets can lower our heart rate and blood pressure
It’s not uncommon to leave a GP check-up with strict instructions to bring down that blood pressure or heart rate and owning a pet has been shown to lower your heart rate and blood pressure, making it not just a cute decision to keep a fur baby, but a health-conscious one too.
5. Pets can encourage other visitors
Don’t be surprised if the neighbours keep showing up to say hello! Cute pets can be addictive even when they are not your own. Grandkids might also visit more often when they know there’s a cute puppy or kitten to play with. Other family and friends may also enjoy spending more time at your place.
6. Pets can boost our mood
Feeling down? Some studies show that patting your pet or even watching a fish in a bowl can reduce stress levels. Owning a pet has been connected to lower instances of loneliness, higher self-esteem and greater life satisfaction.
While owning a pet during retirement can benefit mental and physical health, it can also provide a much-loved companion and may even fill a vacancy left by the passing of a loved one or partner – something to consider if your home is suitable.
– Courtesy of NZ Seniors insurance group.