You may think a furry, four-legged creature in your home will be a burden on your daily life, but think again—pet ownership (especially for older adults) can have many physical, psychological and spiritual health benefits.

“When my son embarked on a three-month backpacking trip in Europe, he left me with his mixed breed one-year old puppy; I was livid and did not know what to do with the dirty little mutt!” said Laura Reed, an active senior and Cupertino resident. "Within a few days, I found myself emotionally attached to the furry creature and worried endlessly about when my son would return and ask for his dog back. Luckily for me, he recognized the special bond we had created and at that point, he knew the dog would be forever mine.”

It is well documented that touch is very important for the nourishment of the mind and body. For some people, touch from another person is not always a viable option—especially for older adults who may have lost a life partner, but the warm, furry touch of a dog or cat is. A house pet will always be there for you—eager and ready to please his or her master. And, it won’t nag, snore or complain!

Pet ownership has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce depression, and increase levels of serotonin. And the obvious—it gives you a reason to take a walk in the great outdoors.  With this, you are bound to burn calories and increase your cardiovascular health while soaking in the suns rays. Not to mention you will easily get your daily dose of Vitamin D.

Studies have also shown that people are able to better relax when animals are present. Whether it is a bird, a fish or a dog, caring for a pet brings about a sense of purpose for many older adults. Even the simple act of feeding a fish or watching it swim in an aquarium can be very calming.

In hospitals, where most touch is painful or invasive, the touch of an animal is safe, non-threatening, and pleasant. Having an animal to hold, hug, and touch can make a world of difference to people who would otherwise have no positive or appropriate physical contact.

Unfortunately it’s not always possible for someone to commit full-time to the care of an animal. While ownership therapy is the most effective type, it is only an option for seniors in good health who are able to take care of the animal themselves.

Luckily, there are other programs available for older adults who are not able to pursue full-time pet ownership. These programs will allow you to reap the physical and emotional benefits of interacting with an animal without being an official pet owner.

Increasingly, senior facilities are turning to pet visitation therapy to help improve the quality of life for residents. This is the most familiar type of pet therapy involves animals, typically dogs or cats, coming to hospitals, nursing homes, or senior centers to visit with residents and patients. Residents therefore get the affection and attention of the pet without the daunting care requirements. Pet visitation therapy is most beneficial in facilities where pets are not permitted.

Animal-assisted therapy is a more intensive type of therapy where patients in need of extreme rehabilitation are coupled with incredibly sensitive animals, often dolphins or horses, as part of an intensive therapy routine. Interacting with these types of animals can help increase confidence, refine physical skills and improve mental function.

The moral behind this article is simple: never underestimate the healing power of animals and the importance of pet therapy.

“A pet will change your life for the better," Reed says. “Open your heart and mind to a new kind of companion and the benefits will be profound.”