New research has confirmed what many Australians already know, cats can play an important role in helping older Australians lead a productive and fulfilling life. And at a time when the number of older Australians is increasing at the fastest rate in our history, that¹s good news for more and more Australians.

Many studies have been carried out to explore the relationship between cats and their owners and the psychological and physiological benefits owners derive through their pets.

According to one study1, cat or pet ownership provides special benefits for older Australians including promoting mental stability, comfort in times of loss and stress, and constant companionship. Other studies cite links between pet ownership and health status2. They show that pets have a direct causal effect on health and can also have an indirect effect on health by assisting in person-to-person relationships.

Cats bring about many positive feelings for older people. They offer comfort and companionship and help increase self-esteem and promote a sense of wellbeing.

'Barney', an eight-year-old ginger tom cat belonged to an elderly man. When his owner passed away, to the delight of residents he was re-housed at Gracedale Private Nursing Home, in North Ringwood, Victoria.

"It is very soothing for the residents to have a cat around," says Lynne Condie, Lifestyle Co-ordinator at Gracedale Private Nursing Home. "A lot of residents had to leave their pets behind when they moved into the home, so it is comforting for them to see Barney, he even sleeps on their beds."

Australia's society is steadily ageing, with current figures showing that 2.3 million (12 per cent) Australians are aged 65 years and over. The Australian Bureau of Statistics has projected this figure to reach 22 per cent by 2031.

As the population ages, retirement, debilitating illness, relocation from family homes to smaller premises and the loss of partners and friends will become challenges older people face each day, all of which can lead to a sense of loneliness and insecurity. A companion animal, such as a cat, may help older people cope better with the common challenges of growing older and help address their emotional needs in a cost-effective way. Cats make ideal pets for older people because they are less physically demanding than some pets, they provide unconditional love, companionship and comfort. .

Pet ownership and general attitudes are related to higher levels of morale and self-reported health amongst older people, and pet ownership and attachment among recently bereaved older people were associated with less depression. Pet owners reported(3) fewer doctor visits than non pet-owners and having pets may reduce the usage of physician services and medication usage was significantly less in pet owners compared to non-owners. And during stressful periods associated with the loss of companionship, the needs of pet owners may be met by their pets.

Male and female pet owners over 54 years of age were reported to use significantly less medication than non-owners over 54 years of age.

Cats can act as a comforting and cost-effective way to boost self-esteem, provide companionship and keep illness at bay for older people. Friendship with a cat could be the perfect anecdote to loneliness for many older people.

Article printed courtesy of Petnet