As one ages we find that being alone is both a challenge and a worry. Being alone is a common challenge that many of us face as we age. Women usually can handle being alone better than men because they are more social “animals;” whereas men do not handle being alone very well. Statistics point out that older men, living alone, have the highest suicide rate over time.

Pets serve as an important adjunct to one’s sense of self and having a companion that is both obedient, friendly and can serve up unconditional love at any time it is needed or called for in time.

Pets give us an opportunity to practice our communication. We can talk to them and tell them our woes, share our feelings, give them our anger and our love, or just plain practice the way we talk all without judgment in return. With just a little coaxing we can even teach our pets tricks to amuse us and others.

What kind of pet one has is basically irrelevant, because we can relate to anyone as humans, and find something in common to allow us the feeling of comfort and satisfaction. Pets also enable us to  get exercise, especially a dog, since they need to be walked at least twice daily and who better to do it with them and for them but their master…that being you. So think about the benefits of owning a pet. Someone to love and be loved by in return, a companion for a long time to come, a friend to share activity with and have fun, and a partner to enjoy quiet time, exercise time, sleeping time, alone time and social time. [PETS= Positive Energy through Synergy]

Posted on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 at 1:13 pm in Mental Health .