by Cynthis Morris
According to The Humane Society of the United States, "Because many Americans are living longer lives these days, sometimes elderly people find themselves living alone because they have outlived loved ones, or because they live far from any family. There is a way, however, for the elderly to find new meaning in their lives, and to redefine what it means to be 'young at heart.'…by adopting a pet companion." The article goes on to say that (The senior citizen) may want to consider adopting an older cat, rather than a kitten. Older pets are more likely to be calm, already housetrained, and less susceptible to unpredictable behavior.
Sarge's Animal Rescue Foundation agrees with The Humane Society of the United States. Effective immediately, Sarge's is offering senior citizens over 62 years of age an opportunity to provide a loving home to a homeless animal by adopting an adult cat at no initial cost to the senior. According to Sarge's Board Vice President Rosa Allomong, "The cats, that are at least five (5) years old, are being saved from euthanasia from the Haywood County animal control facility in hopes that they will be a companion for a senior citizen."
"Owning a cat can dramatically reduce a person's chance of dying from heart disease. Moreover, people who owned cats were 30 percent less likely to suffer a heart attack," according to a study by the Minnesota Stroke Institute that followed more than 4,000 cat owners over 10 years.
An article entited "How Community-Based Elderly People Perceive Pet Ownership," surveyed attitudes of the elderly regarding the benefits of pets show that: 95% talk to their pet; 82% say a pet helps when they feel sad, 71% say that having a pet helps when they physically feel bad, 65% say touching their pet makes them feel better and 57% confide in their pets.
