The Pet Care Trust - News Releases

In May, I was invited to represent the Pet Care Trust at the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) biannual meeting in Orlando, FL. The U.S. Pet Industry Associations, H.H. Backer, Florida Tropical Fish Farmers Association, manufacturers and Orlando area pet stores set up beautiful aquarium displays at three AARP conference lounge areas. I was one of several persons available to answer questions and spoke with many seniors during the 3-day meeting. Knowing that seniors are the fastest growing segment of the population, this was an opportunity to explore senior attitudes about animals in retirement life. As a veterinarian approaching 60, their insights and questions were illuminating to me and may be of interest to AARP, pet industry members and the veterinary medical community.

"The kids are gone and the dog died, so itís time to travel" is a paraphrase of a common response from seniors when asked about pets. Many seniors would love to have animals, but the bother of arranging for pet setters or the cost of boarding was considered an impediment to travel plans. Extra work, more responsibility, limited space at home and the cost of animal food and health care were other significant responses. In the course of conversation, it became apparent that when most seniors spoke of "pets", they meant dogs and cats. This reference may relate to their own childhood experience in the 20ís, 30í and 40ís. Very few seniors mentioned other species, but when asked they often responded that they had fish, a parakeet or hamsters "when their kids were young". When asked if "less common" pets would make interesting companions or hobbies for retired persons, the response was generally a smile or laugh, commenting about, "being to much trouble", "not knowing anything about them" or "I never thought about it".

Even so, some seniors did keep pets, and women often extolled the virtues of cats as "special" companions and "easy-keepers" worthy of inconvenience and expense. A few senior couples kept a cat or dog, especially when their travel was RV touring and the pet could travel with relative ease. A few people had canaries or parakeets and one woman was very knowledgeable and loved the tranquility of her tropical fish aquarium hobby. Seniors with pets found ways to travel, work or volunteer because pets were important to their lives. Their pets were companions, they were interesting or humorous to observe and they made their owners feel joyful, needed and loved.

On my flight home I thought about the 150 seniors I had met. These folks were active, interesting and out in the world to learn and interact through new experiences. But what about seniors who may not have the incentive or the means to travel and explore? Dr. Bill Thomas, founder of the Eden Alternative, once told me that "loneliness, helplessness and boredom account for most suffering for seniors in long term care facilities". The Eden Alternative concept and program of animals, plants and kids in nursing homes is very successful and has improved the quality of life for countless seniors living in long term care. With so much data showing that animal interaction can benefit human health, perhaps pets should play a greater role in the lives of more seniors? If loneliness and boredom can be reduced in nursing homes with pets, it should have a similar effect on independent seniors who want to stay in their own homes. The real and perceived impediments of inconvenience and cost do exist, but alternatives are available for those seniors wanting desirable pets. It may be that seniors are unaware of potential options or feel unsure about levels of responsibility for these less common pets.

Seniors are living longer and many are looking to alternative and preventative medicine to cope with or avoid physical and mental ailments. Perhaps companion animals should be considered as beneficial "therapy". Seniors at the AARP meeting praised the concept of animals in nursing homes. Since Eden Alternative homes include fish, birds and other small pets, in addition to dogs and cats, this interaction with smaller species may be a beneficial model for promoting health and combating depression for seniors living at home. Most of these species require limited space and are pet setter friendly. If seniors in long-term care are energized by a pet bird they can teach to speak and feel needed when feeding and cleaning a small animal, similar results should occur for independent seniors. Companion animals can help counter loneliness, helplessness and boredom and should help independent seniors stay in their homes and communities. This issue is worth further consideration and exploration.

The Pet Care Trust began working with Eden Alternative regional coordinators, nursing home administrators and staff during the past year. The Trust would like to expand programs to support companion animals, seniors and long term care staff who embrace the Eden Alternative philosophy. As senior populations swell with "boomers" entering retirement, health care costs and concerns will continue to expand. Most seniors are concerned about health and want to live in their own homes. For a healthy life, there is a need for companionship and a sense of value and purpose. Expanding companion animal options for seniors who may benefit from a pet in they lives requires an information exchange about animals, their care and management. I would like to receive comments from humane societies, animal health care providers and pet dealers regarding experience with seniors and companion animals. We have a responsibility to provide accurate information for the senior community regarding suitable pets, their needs and costs. Since one goal of the non-profit Pet Care Trust Foundation is public information and education, I hope that seniors and members of the companion animal community will contact me with thoughts and suggestions. Your insights will be part of the basis for valuable information exchange that will hopefully benefit companion animals and their humans.

John Pitts, DVM is the Program Coordinator for the Pet Care Trust and can be reached at 3951 Leland Valley Rd. W, Quilcene, WA 98376; 360-765-3311 (tele); 765-3399 (fax); or email jlpitts@olympus.net