| Pets can play an important role in our lives as we | | | | by playing with them or taking them on a walk. Pets |
| age. As we grow older, knowing that you're loved, or | | | | amuse us, make us laugh and improve our overall |
| that someone cares about you, isn't necessarily | | | | morale. |
| enough, and that need to feel needed-and | | | | Pet owners tend to remain more interested in events |
| appreciated for what you do-increases. Pets fulfill this | | | | in their community and in their surroundings. They are |
| need because they depend on their owners for care | | | | not as lonely as perhaps they once were. They |
| and attention. In return, the pets offer love and | | | | prevent or reduce absent-mindedness or |
| unqualified approval. | | | | bewilderment by communicating the sense of time |
| Studies have been documented that petting a dog or | | | | and by maintaining a rhythm of the day. |
| cat lowers blood pressure in hypertensive patients | | | | Pets need love, companionship and attention no |
| and that older people show improved alertness when | | | | differently than the rest of us. If you know of an |
| caring for a pet. Pets often seem to be especially | | | | older adult that could use a friend, a companion, |
| valuable for some people experiencing major life | | | | please consider contacting one of the adoption or |
| chances, such as illness or the loss of a loved one. | | | | fostering agencies below or your local P.A.W.S. |
| Depressions can often be avoided. Pets also | | | | shelter. |
| encourage their owner to be more physically active | | | | |