The key to aging well is to effectively handle life’s major changes, such as retirement, the loss of loved ones, and the physical changes of aging. Pets can play an important role in healthy aging by:

• Helping you find meaning and joy in life. As you age, you’ll lose things that previously occupied your time and gave your life purpose. You may retire from your career or your children may move far away. Caring for a pet can bring pleasure and help boost your morale and optimism. Taking care of an animal can also provide a sense of self-worth.
• Staying connected. Maintaining a social network isn’t always easy as you grow older. Retirement, illness, death, and moves can take away close friends and family members. And making new friends can get harder. Dogs especially are a great way for seniors to spark up conversations and meet new people.
• Boosting vitality. You can overcome many of the physical challenges associated with aging by taking good care of yourself. Pets encourage playfulness, laughter, and exercise, which can help boost your immune system and increase your energy.

Pets and adults with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia

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The Alzheimer’s Association has published a tip sheet called 10 Tips for Keeping Your Independence.  It’s a really good and concise overview of how we can all actively participate in meeting the challenges of aging, and not just necessarily for those living with dementia. (In the on-line article, there are several links to Alzheimer Association products.)

Of the ten tips, the one I think is probably the most important and perhaps also the hardest is #4 – Plan for the Future.  “At some point, it will become too difficult to live independently. Make plans now for your future so your family can honor your wishes.” This takes courage, communication and a lot of support, because it requires the recognition that things will change, and more help might be necessary.

For seniors who are aging, it means establishing “a line”, and then acknowledging when you’ve crossed it. A line might be:

• Several minor fender benders in the car, or unsafe driving patterns
• Fear of getting in and out of the tub or shower without assistance
• Weight loss or other signs of poor nutrition or health care
• Withdrawal from social activities

It’s sometimes a good idea to decide in advance that “crossing the line” is an automatic conversation starter. For the senior, it’s important that family members know what you want, and also have permission to start the conversation.  “Son, let’s agree that if you ever notice unsafe driving or car damage, then we should have a conversation about my eyesight, reflexes or ability to drive. If there comes a time when I shouldn’t be driving myself, I’ll want to talk about other transportation, like taxis, or ride sharing.”

Make your own list of what you think are important lines, and take charge of sharing them with family members or caregivers. It will help you meet the fear of the unknown, and establish your wishes for the future.

Coping with change is difficult, no matter how old you are. The particular challenge for older adults is the sheer number of changes and transitions—including the loss of friends, family, your career, your health, and even your independence. It’s natural to feel those losses. But if that sense of loss is balanced with positive ingredients, you have a recipe for aging well.

Healthy aging means continually reinventing yourself, finding new things you enjoy, learning to adapt to change, staying physically and socially active, and feeling connected to your community and loved ones. Unfortunately, for many, aging brings anxiety and fear instead. How will I take care of myself? What if I lose my spouse? What is going to happen to my mind? However, many of these fears stem from myths about aging that are exaggerated or simply untrue. The truth is that you are stronger and more resilient than you may think.

Myths About Aging

MYTH: Old age means poor health and disability.

Fact: There are some diseases that are more common in older adults. However, getting old does not automatically mean poor health or that you will be confined to a walker or wheelchair. Plenty of older adults enjoy vigorous health. Preventive measures like healthy eating, exercising and managing stress can help reduce the risk of chronic disease and fall risk later in life.

MYTH: Memory loss is an inevitable part of aging.

Fact: You may eventually notice you don’t remember experiences as easily as in the past, and memories may take longer to retrieve. However, significant memory loss is not an inevitable result of aging. Brain training and new learning can occur at any age. And there are many things you can do to keep your memory sharp.

MYTH: You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

Fact: One of the more damaging myths of aging is that after a certain age, you just won’t be able to try anything new or contribute things anymore. Quite the contrary. Older adults are just as capable of learning new things, thriving in new environments, and sharing their wisdom and experience with many generations.  If you believe in yourself and have confidence in yourself, you are setting up a positive environment for change no matter what your age.

Excerpted with permission from Healthy Aging Tips. Visit http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_aging_seniors_aging_well.htm to see the full article with links to related articles.  © Helpguide.org. All rights reserved. This material is for information and support; not a substitute for professional advice.