Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1052897
SATURdAY, nOvEmBER 24, 2018 | dEcEmBER - SEniOR cElEBRATiOnS nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST | YOU AT YOUR BEST | 11 by Kimberly marquez NWa Democrat-Gazette An empty nest can also mean a lonely home. Once the kids have grown and are busy raising their own, seniors are often left feeling alone and in turn become isolated and depressed. Although there are social groups seniors can join and events they can attend, at the end of the day, they return to an empty home. For pet lovers and future pet owners, cats as pets are beneficial to one's physical and mental health. Studies show that pets help seniors overcome loneliness and depression by providing affection, company, entertainment and a sense of responsibility and purpose. Health benefits for seniors Cats provide a host of health benefits— they can help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, relieves stress, and improve mental health. Seniors who live with a cat feel mentally, emotionally, and physically better. Petting a cat helps one feel calm and reduces feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Furthermore, caring for and feeding a cat calls for routines and activities seniors might not otherwise have, providing important mental stimulation. Easy to care for While most people prefer having a dog as a pet, dogs require a lot of care and attention, compared to cats that are relatively low maintenance. Indoor cats do not need to go outside for a bathroom break, as they make use of a litter box, which is easy to clean. Cats are also easily entertained by toys and do not need to go on daily walks. • Unlike dogs, cats are happy staying indoors all the time. • Most adult cats require only 20 to 30 minutes of playtime per day, and interactive play does not require the owner to be mobile. A kitty fishing pole or laser toy lets senior cat owners engage their cat in play while sitting in their favorite chair. • Cats are also very content to spend most of their time sleeping on their owner's lap or bed. The ideal cat for a senior, and the best way to locate a cat that fulfills this requirement is to ask your local animal shelter. why cats are therapeutic for seniors Stout and Wordsworth Marquez. Petting a cat helps one feel calm and reduces feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.