In today’s busy and often violent world, the slow wag of a tail or the purr of a cat is a welcomed change. Our pets often provide unconditional love and support for everyone including senior citizens. Many seniors are alone, either in their own home or in a nursing home, and pets provide companionship and love.

According to an article in the July/August 1996 issue of Nursing Home, Long-term Care Management, "In the nursing home, where residents are dealing with isolation, loneliness, loss, separation, from home and family (which often includes a pet) and a sense of no longer being needed, the comfort, humor and sheer joy a pet provides is truly a gift."

Pets help in many healthy ways. According to Dr. James Lynch, author of The Broken Heart: the Medical Consequences of Loneliness: "Real loneliness begins with an inability to communicate." Research data shows this "contributes to serious disease, including cardiovascular disease and premature death." Even the simple acts of touching and speaking can help with the flow of blood that's critical to protect a person's cardiovascular system.

Often animals encourage communication. Our pets open communication and a sharing of ideas, even if it is a one-way conversation. Pets touch people’s inner selves in ways that we don't yet understand. If you have grandchildren, pets often create a link. They act as a catalyst for learning and socializing.

Pets often provide a sense of purpose that is especially important if families aren't a part of your everyday life. Pets need their owners to feed and water them, give them exercise and lots of affection. It has been found that many times, hospital stays are often shorter because pets need us at home.

Pets provide many other services: mental and physical exercise, protection, additional eyes and ears and a set of teeth to pick up items.

Pets can turn switches on or off, carry laundry, pull a stuck wheelchair and track a wandering Alzheimer’s patient. Our pets need us and we need them.

One alternative if you can't have your own pet is to get acquainted with someone who has a pet. When animals come to visit, they provide a great opportunity to play and reminisce with others and their pets. If you do have a pet, enjoy them and share them with family and friends.