I remember the best dog I ever had. He was a Rottweiler and thought to be the neighborhood friend of children and seniors, dogs of any size and some cats. Even the town police made an appearance with their German Shepherd to try to agitate him into a brawl to no avail. My dog was loved, and he gave that love and more right back to all who wanted it.

Have you ever had a pet or were ever won over by someone’s family dog, cat, whatever? My friends who love animals either have a pet aging right along with them or don’t want the responsibility of care and the expense that goes with it. The amazing benefit of having a fluffy companion is that they won’t argue current politics or debate religious views, and they won’t spread it around to others when you do! These little critters can exude an innocent genuine love and concern that fills a need just when it’s needed. And don’t forget the “cute” factor!

As dementia and Alzheimer’s populations rise, families are pooling their ingenuity and resources to patiently, and with dignity, calm and comfort their affected loved ones. One clever son, whose mother developed Alzheimer’s, engineered a robotic dog complete with soft fur, realistic eyes, and which responds affectionately to touch and sound. His idea has caught on all across the globe.

This new invention is wonderful on many levels. As we and our loved ones grow older, some of us will undoubtedly live alone while our children are hundreds or thousands of miles away. Loneliness, isolation and even depression can become a major reality. A caregiver’s stress over these concerns can be reduced with the aid of robotic pets.  They have been proven to increase a person’s interactions while decreasing social isolation for extended periods of time. These little furry friends can help to alleviate loneliness while motivating us to want to engage more in life.

Several studies have been done, with more in progress, revealing that the interaction between we seniors and animals, whether they be real or robotic, can help lower blood pressure, ease anxiety, reduce feelings of loneliness, and improve overall quality of life. The research shows that when you interact with animals, your body releases oxytocin, often called the ‘love hormone,’ which plays a role in establishing emotional bonds and boosting your mood!

What are robotic pets?

Simply put, robotic pets are engineered to mimic the movements and interactions of a real pet. They are programmed with a complex set of rules that mimic real-life behaviors like walking, hopping, responding to voices, doorbells, etc. This trend toward robotic pets versus the real thing is becoming increasingly popular among we seniors. The advantages are apparent, and robotic pets are relatively affordable. These artificial companions can offer a degree of excitement, engagement, and relaxation that a basic stuffed animal cannot.

You may not have the interactions with this pet as I did with my Rottie, but it certainly will be a conversation starter. And, no question, it will bring joy, encouragement and companionship to a life which may be declining into dementia or some other life altering disease.

Youthful Aging Home Care has introduced robotic pet therapy to their clients to help ease any unintended agitation or aggression, and loneliness. If you have questions about this or other home healthcare needs, please contact Youthful Aging today. We are here to help.

Need some help with that? Johns Hopkins Guided Care ® plan is a proven comprehensive care plan which integrates input from the nurse and the primary care providers and the patient. This plan works especially well for the high-risk people, such as Parkinson’s disease patients. For more information about how Guided Care® can help you, contact Youthful Aging Home Care.

Lani Kelly is a research writer for Youthful Aging Home Care.

https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/talking-aged-care/what-age-is-considered-old