Bringing isolated seniors together with animal companions
Even before the pandemic, many aged 65 and older who also live alone (single or lost partner) were at risk of being isolated and lonely, and more likely to experience poor physical and mental health, especially if they were limited to little or no contact with family, friends, their peers and their community. In addition to mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, the isolation and loneliness can also make a person physically ill, causing or exacerbating ailments including high blood pressure, heart disease, weakened immune systems and cognitive decline.
Social Isolation is commonly defined as a low quantity and quality of contact with others. A situation of social isolation involves few social contacts and few social roles, as well as the absence of mutually rewarding relationships. Social isolation can generally be recognized by others observing a person’s relationships, while loneliness is a personal experience.
So how do seniors become socially isolated?
According to the Alberta Seniors and Housing/Alberta Health Senior’s Community Profiles for Calgary,
An average 413 seniors over 65 live alone in each of the electoral districts, compared to an average of 286 who live with a partner. Living alone doesn’t always equate to isolation, but without supports, especially during significant life changes that limit social contacts and activities, this can be the unfortunate result.
Governments at all levels in Canada have recognized the importance of supports for these seniors, working with local-based agencies, programs are in place and evolving to help seniors to live happier, healthier, and longer lives and in their own home versus a facility or institution. The need for supports will continue to grow with Alberta’s senior population, as there are already more than 700,000 aged 65+ as of December 2021, a number that is expected to double in the next 20 years.
Programs already in place were usually held in person and involved participants in social activities, exercise classes, group trips, regular phone calls, letters, and cards through the mail and for the more tech-savvy, video and online chats, emails, and online community groups. Personal visits from friends, families and volunteers created a community of inclusion for those who are active and those who are more housebound.
Then came the pandemic, forcing even those not already isolated to social distance and isolate in their homes as one of the highest-risk groups, even if they didn’t have underlying health conditions and were fully vaccinated.
The impacts of these two years and going forward as we ease out of the pandemic, worsened the isolation for those who already had limited contact with the world. The mental health toll won’t be fully realized for some time, but its plain to see that those most affected by isolation before the pandemic, will be some of the hardest hit. So, while some programs are carefully reopening as the pandemic eases off, or continuing online formats for classes and other activities, those without the technology or the ability to use it need non-tech solution or risk being left behind — especially when there may still be cause for continuing to social distance.
When considering solutions, one thing became apparent — the common theme in senior support program is companionship, which is missing from the lives of most isolated seniors. So why not also consider other (furry) forms of companionship, including man’s best friend?
Two years ago, adoption numbers at shelters around the world were setting records as many people were working, schooling and/or staying at home, and decided it was time to bring new furry member into the family.
Time passed, the pandemic is easing off , and these same folks are returning to work and school outside the home, and having difficulties dealing with separation anxiety with their pets. Even though many shelters have been proactive with support and resources to help transition pets and their owners to this new reality, new records are being set with the high number of animal surrenders that shelters are seeing, in addition to their normal intakes, resulting in overcrowded facilities.
Its an unfortunate turn of events, for the animals being moved from what has been their home, and shelters scrambling to keep up with the numbers.
Again considering solutions, I propose creating a new program that continues and complements the current supports in place for isolated seniors with the addition of matching these isolated seniors with a dog, cat, rabbit, bird or even guinea pig from a local shelter.
In some ways, this could be considered a form of social innovation, to help address the isolation in vulnerable groups such as seniors, while developing new partnerships between a variety of groups — non-profit organizations, public institutions, municipal resources and programs, health care supports, different levels of government and in this case, local animal shelters and participating veterinary clinics.
To move quickly while also being fiscally responsible, using and building on proven supports and methods from existing programs would save time, resources and some money — combining and extending funding supports, expertise and assets from the various groups.
This could include dedicated teams of paid staff and volunteers that coordinate the supports already in place for individual isolated seniors (i.e., home support case managers) and provide training for pet care, pet food, supplies, veterinary services, dog walking and regular wellness check-ins for the senior and their pet(s) by phone and in-person, while also taking necessary pandemic precautions.
An initial assessment could be conducted to determine if adoption is appropriate due to considerations for health, allergies, dislike of animals or other reasons. In these cases, the supports already in place would continue, with a potential increase in person-to-person contact for the isolated senior or training and support through online resources, depending on current pandemic conditions.
An additional assessment would be required from the animal shelter, similar to their current adoptions policies and how they screen adopters, to ensure the best fit between the senior and their new pet companion. This would also consider the adopter’s experience with animals, mobility, and heath issues.
Benefits
Multiple scientific studies have reinforced what has become common knowledge — especially for those of us with pets — that there are multiple mental and physical benefits that come with pet companionship.
Stroking, hugging, or petting your pet can calm and soothe you when you’re stressed or anxious, satisfying that basic human need for touch, which is particularly helpful when one is isolated or lonely. With a pet you are never alone, and most animals seem to have an innate sense for how we are feeling and how to provide comfort, even if its just laying at our feet and being close to us. They are also great listeners!
It would motivate a senior who adopts a dog to exercise regularly with daily walks, which brings the senior out into the community, meeting their neighbours and other dog owners — a great starting point for them to move on from isolation and be more social.
Even if they don’t adopt a dog, or need the services of a dog walker due to mobility, having a pet gives them structure and a regular routine every day to meet their pet’s needs for food, water and attention and gives them a reason to get up each morning and move around.
Pets can also help isolated seniors find joy and purpose in their life when they adopt from a shelter, knowing they have given an abandoned animal a second chance at life, especially if the animal is older as younger adopters prefer kittens and pups to adult animals.
And when you adopt an adult/senior animal, the dogs are more likely to have obedience, behaviour and potty training — saving time, effort and clean-ups, while older cats have been litter trained and likely spayed already and looking forward to a nice quiet home to hang out with you.
Advantages for partnering with a shelter for adoptions
Approximately 700,000 animals are currently waiting to be adopted at animal shelters across Canada, according to Humane Canada. Mar 21, 2022. Help is needed!
Adopting through a shelter like the Calgary Humane Society, also gives you the benefit of each animal being thoroughly examined and treated for any medical conditions before they are put up for adoption. This lets any prospective adopter anticipate what they might be looking at for medical and other issues if they adopt.
It also eases the burden for shelters who are dealing with an overpopulation of animals — surrendered and rescued — allowing the shelters to take in more animals needing a safe place.
Dollars and scents
Having a pet still requires a commitment of time and yes, money. The Calgary Humane Society (CHS) estimates the minimum expenses for adopted pets as follows:
Note: many shelters like the CHS cover veterinary exams and treatment (if needed), spaying/neutering (costs between $250 — $500), and dental and medical treatment before an animal is put up for adoption. This history is shared potential adopters so you are aware of special conditions, medical treatments and other helpful information. Shelter’s rely on funding from public and corporate donors, donated time from veterinarians, and some government funding to be able to provide these services.
Conclusion
There will be costs — financial, resources and expertise — to successfully fund and operate this proposed program. But there are also many gains to be made in terms of the physical and mental health of isolated seniors, the decrease in health issues and pressure on the healthcare system, in addition to the positive impact on the senior, his or her new pet companion, and the community in general.
Win-win for everyone.
References
Calgary Seniors’ Resource Society: Volunteer programs. Calgary. (n.d.). Retrieved June 11, 2022, from https://www.calgaryseniors.org/seniors-social-supports
Canada, E. and S. D. (2018, April 26). Government of Canada. Canada.ca. Retrieved June 10, 2022, from https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/seniors/forum.html
Connecting lives since 1922. Calgary Humane Society. (2020, March 27). Retrieved June 10, 2022, from https://www.calgaryhumane.ca/
Older adults and social isolation. https://www.calgary.ca. (n.d.). Retrieved June 11, 2022, from https://www.calgary.ca/csps/cns/seniors/Older-adults-and-social-isolation.html?redirect=%2Fstayconnected
Resources to help seniors age in their community. Alberta.ca. (n.d.). Retrieved June 10, 2022, from https://www.alberta.ca/seniors-resources.aspx
Riglin, A., & Abbie Riglin, C. J. F. 4. (2022, February 4). Partnership program connects isolated seniors with supports they need. Calgary Journal. Retrieved June 10, 2022, from https://calgaryjournal.ca/2022/02/04/partnership-program-connects-isolated-seniors-with-supports-they-need/
Social Isolation — Open Government program | Alberta.ca. (n.d.). Retrieved June 10, 2022, from https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/6d39599c-a29c-4716-9fd9-7d985f7db0fe/resource/9ad41e7a-e485-4f37-9afd-4f48d85bb3a9/download/toolkit-volume-1-social-isolation-of-seniors-understanding-the-issue-ab-box.pdf
Understanding loneliness and social isolation — order Free Publications. (n.d.). Retrieved June 11, 2022, from https://order.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2021-01/understand-loneliness-and-social-isolation.pdf
UCALGARY expert: How to help socially isolated seniors during COVID-19. News. (2021, January 21). Retrieved June 10, 2022, from https://www.ucalgary.ca/news/ucalgary-expert-how-help-socially-isolated-seniors-during-covid-19
Written by Nicole Cosgrove Lead Pet Expert & Pet-ditor in Chief Nicole is the proud mom of Baby, by, W., Nicole Cosgrove Lead Pet Expert & Pet-ditor in Chief Nicole is the proud mom of Baby, Nicole Cosgrove Lead Pet Expert & Pet-ditor in Chief, Cosgrove, N., Lead Pet Expert & Pet-ditor in Chief, & Nicole is the proud mom of Baby. (2022, March 21). 10 Canada Pet Adoption Statistics & Facts to know in 2022. Pet Keen. Retrieved June 11, 2022, from https://petkeen.com/pet-adoption-statistics-canada/
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