Animal Therapy for the Elderly

Human and animal relationships aren’t new. They’re something that have been around for thousands of years. Many people in their lifetime have had some type of pet interaction whether it be with a dog, cat or even horse. 

Today, a therapy that is becoming an increasingly popular option for senior citizens is animal therapy. A flexible method, this therapy doesn’t require people to care for the animal full time or live in a location that allows them to do so. It has also been documented that this kind of therapy can improve people mentally, emotionally and physically. Some results have shown that people have had are lowered blood pressure, stress and anxiety. As well as, increased social interaction, sense of gentleness, and increased self-esteem. Animal therapy has many benefits, another is that it can be tailored to people specifically as it can be practiced with a multitude of animals from dogs, and cats to horses and farm animals. Overall animal therapy is  great and creative option for the elderly, or anyone.

Read More Here: 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4248608/   

https://caringpeopleinc.com/blog/pet-therapy-elderly-ultimate-guide/

https://www.brynmawrterrace.org/article/2/22/2016/man%E2%80%99s-best-friends-benefits-pet-therapy-seniors

What's Aging in Place?

Source: mylifesite.net

Aging in place means a person being able to live within the environment of their home without losing the quality of life when they reach senior age. So why is aging in place important? No matter how much we take care of our bodies, aging changes us. It is absolute and inevitable. According to Family Matters in-home care, by 2030, adults 65 and over make up almost 20% of the population. This means nursing homes and assisted living facilities may be crowded and as a result, may increase the prices. Aging in place offers a way for seniors to live comfortably around their loved ones, and it is the most practical options out there.

Home is where you feel most safe and secure. And when we don't feel safe and secure, our mental health suffers, especially without family and friends around. Aging in place also allows seniors to continue to live independently. Nearly 90% of seniors express that they like their independence as they fear to be too dependent on others. It is difficult to be independent when you're old as your body won't function like it used to - poorer eyesight, high risk of accidents, and less mobility and agility. Allowing seniors to be independent helps to maintain their mental and emotional health. Moreover, aging in place can save you money. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities can be costly. The cost of medical types of equipment or a licensed nurse is drastically less than a year in a nursing home. Aging in place is the most economical choice. It is suitable for their health and their wallet.

Aging in place is the best choice, as long as the home is equipped with the right equipment, along with continuous care and supervision from either a licensed nurse or loved ones. Aging in place allows the senior to maintain their lifestyle with the safety they need, the independence they want, and the comfort they enjoy by being surrounded by their friends and family all while the cost that comes with aging low.

Even though we may be young now, we all know someone who could benefit from this as they age. For more information: https://www.familymattershc.com/why-is-aging-in-place-important/

The Benefits of Art Therapy in Senior Communities

Art therapy has been shown to be beneficial for many, when it comes to the elderly community it’s been shown to help people experiencing mental and physical stress, memory loss and chronic illness. Art therapy sessions are lead by professionals with experience in both art and therapy. Sessions are a way for people to relax, have some control, socialize, improve cognitive function, and offer sensory stimulation. It can also reduce depression and anxiety symptoms that are common amongst this age group and especially people with chronic illness.

The best part about art therapy is that there’s no expectation and a multitude of ways people can express themselves. It’s not just a way for people to fill time its an opportunity for people to explore new skills, their thoughts and feelings. It also provides an opportunity for outside people to interact with these living communities. 

Read More: 

http://www.todaysgeriatricmedicine.com/news/ex_082809_03.shtml

https://www.cmsschicago.org/news-blog/three-benefits-of-art-therapy-for-seniors/

ENCOURAGING OWNERSHIP CAN HELP SENIORS WITH ISOLATION

When you grow older, the act no longer caring for others like one's children, is often found to be a mountainous challenge.

As a result, this can cause older adults to not feel needed. This is the case, because the act of providing for one's children or others could be their sole purpose. So without this "caring for" need, what is left, is a sense of having no purpose. It can feel like something big is missing in their life, that gave them purpose and meaning.

Just as companionship/friendship with other human beings in our life can greatly enhance it, so can having pets as well. The caring for these animals can bring about a sense of purpose, because the pet depends on the owner for it's needs like food, water and companionship. It could also lead to increased empathy towards other pet owners, build relationships with other owners, creating a sense of healthy dialogue. It can help them to focus on other things and not just on getting older. 

So giving a older adult a pet can can breathe life and energy back into their lives...

https://www.bayalarmmedical.com/medical-alert-blog/6-powerful-ways-help-seniors-avoid-isolation/

Win-Win Housing Across Generations

Source: steinhardt.nyu.edu

In Finland, Netherland, and some parts of Europe, elderly are living in a dorm-like housing with college students. While unique, the living arrangement benefits both generations. There are great health benefits for the elderly from having social interactions with younger generations include fighting dementia and regulating blood pressure. As reported by the National Institute on Aging, “positive indicators of social well-being may be associated with lower levels of interleukin-6 in otherwise healthy people. Interleukin-6 is an inflammatory factor implicated in age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer." All in all, the elderly are happier, safer, and healthier living with college students. As for the students, they live rent-free in exchange for 30 hours of "being a good neighbor" per month. Students and elderly participate in activities such as baking, birthday party, grocery shopping, and everyday chitchat.

Fortunately, intergenerational programs are catching on all over the world. In America, universities in Cleveland, New York, and San Diego are starting to offer intergenerational housing to its students. The idea of college students sharing a living space with seniors may sound a bit unusual. However, the power of these programs rests in the definite positive energy that fills the building where young and old share their lives, skills, and experiences with each other. As said by Tom Knickerbocker, Executive Vice President of Ameritech Financial, "these shared arrangements confront ageism, provide a barrier against isolation and create long-lasting and life-changing intergenerational bonds."

Sources:

Ameritech. (2018, June 22). Intergenerational Housing for Students and the Elderly a Win-Win, Says Ameritech Financial. Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/intergenerational-housing-for-students-and-the-elderly-a-win-win-says-ameritech-financial-300670640.html

Bowden, M. (2017, November 13). Retirement Communities With University Ties. Retrieved from https://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/retirement-communities-university-ties-1.aspx#slide=1

Hansman, H. (2015, October 16). College Students are Living Rent-Free in a Cleveland Retirement Home. Retrieved from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/college-students-are-living-rent-free-in-cleveland-retirement-home-180956930/

Multigenerational Living on the Rise

Families are something we all have yet, they come in a multitude of shapes and sizes. For some, it consists of few, for others many. Maybe you were an only child? Or maybe you had multiple siblings and even lived with your grandparents. Something that may not be as common to some is becoming a
more popular experience, i.e multigenerational households. 

So what is a multigenerational household? It’a pretty much like what it sounds. A multigenerational household is one with grandparents and grandchildren, or one with two or more adult generations living in the same household, as defined by the Pew Research Center. This phenomenon in the last eight years has gained popularity among American households with approximately 20 percent, or 64million of society taking part
in it. 

Why is this phenomenon becoming more popular? Well, there are actually quite a few benefits, for all generations involved. Caregiving becomes easier, younger generations or children are able to form stronger bonds with their grandparents and everyone saves money. Studies have also found that Americans are also living longer, retiring later and living more active lifestyles in these situations, according to a study done by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies. So while there are many senior living options out there, it seems like many are choosing to just stick close to home. 

Read More: https://www.curbed.com/2017/11/21/16682850/multigenerational-homes-millennials-immigration-family 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/realestate/homes-with-multigenerational-family-members-are-a-growing-trend/2018/04/11/b6fd2eda-ffa9-11e7-9d31-d72cf78dbeee_story.html?utm_term=.b04fd15ef19d

Dangers of Seniors Living Alone

In the United States, half of the community-dwelling 85 years old and older live alone, and nearly 60% of seniors report feelings of loneliness and social isolation. It is dangerous for the elderly to be living by themselves. Some of the dangers include mental and physical health issues, higher chances of anxiety and depression due to the lack of social interactions, lack of help in an emergency, and higher risk for malnutrition. Despite these risks, nearly 90% of seniors express that they would like to maintain their independence and live in their own home as they fear to be too dependent on others.

So what can we do to help them? An assisted living community is reasonably the best way to ensure senior not living in social isolation. However, not everyone can afford supported living communities, and many prefer to live in their own home. Another great option would be a non-profit organization such as River West Village who helps the elderly stay in their homes longer and safer. RWV provides services such as light housekeeping, routine maintenance, running errands, transportation to appointments and shopping, and encourage social activities including potluck dinners, book clubs, and wellness activities to ensure that the elderly enjoy their lives in their twilight years.

Sources:
Profile of Older Americans. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.acl.gov/aging-and-disability-in-america/data-and-research/profile-older-americans
(n.d.). Retrieved from http://riverwestvillage.org/content.aspx?page_id=0&club_id=365906
The Elderly Living Alone - Geriatrics. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/geriatrics/social-issues-in-the-elderly/the-elderly-living-alone