Pets & Loneliness

​Ah, February! Known around the world as the month of love! But, alas, for many, February is just another month of loneliness. 

But it doesn't have to be this way. Read on to find out how pets can help you fight the loneliness epidemic! 

The Loneliness Epidemic
Current studies show that America is experiencing a loneliness epidemic. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over a quarter of the U.S. population -- and 28 percent of older adults -- now live by themselves.

Living alone can be gratifying for some people, as long as they have strong and meaningful social relationships with family and friends. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Plus, in today’s world of technology it is easier than ever to meet daily living needs while rarely leaving your home and thus, allowing television and social media to fulfill social needs.

Studies were already being done on what is called “The Loneliness Epidemic,” a current way of life that has ambushed Americans, and then last year we got waylaid by the “COVID Pandemic,” which has further isolated us from one another.  

What does this loneliness and isolation do to us?
Physically, loneliness can have the same effect on one’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Wow! Emotionally, think of the song lyrics, “Hear the lonesome Whippoorwill.  He sounds too blue to fly. Like me, he’s lost the will to live.  I’m so lonesome I could cry.”

Physically and mentally, it’s not good! 

Not everyone can change their living arrangement, and we must follow the guidelines for ridding our country of the COVID virus. However, studies have also been done on factors that can ease loneliness, and one of the most paramount is having a pet in your home. 

How pets can impact your life
Pets have evolved to become acutely attuned to humans and our behavior and emotions. Dogs, for example, can understand many of the words we use, but they’re even better at interpreting our tone of voice, body language, and gestures. And like any good human friend, a loyal dog will look into your eyes to gauge your emotional state and try to understand what you’re thinking and feeling.

Pets, especially dogs and cats, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health. Pets also provide valuable companionship for older adults. Perhaps most importantly, though, a pet can add real joy and unconditional love to your life.

Studies have shown that many therapeutic effects take place in people who own pets such as:

• Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression.
• People with pets often have lower blood- pressure in stressful situations.
• Playing with a dog or cat can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, that help regulate many bodily functions.
• Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol. 
• Heart attack patients with pets often survive longer than those without.
• Pet owners over age 65 make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets.

One of the reasons for this good health news is that pets fulfill the basic human need for touch. Stroking, hugging, or otherwise touching a loving animal can sooth when you are stressed or anxious. Most dogs are a great stimulus for healthy exercise by playing fetch or going for a walk, which can substantially boost your mood and ease depression.

While isolation and loneliness can trigger symptoms of depression, companionship can help prevent illness and even add years to your life. Caring for a live animal can help make you feel needed and wanted, and take the focus away from your problems, especially if you live alone. Most dog and cat owners  talk to their pets, some even use them to work through their troubles.

​And nothing beats loneliness like coming home to a wagging tail or purring cat.

If you're feeling a little isolated and could use companionship from an animal, consider adopting  one from the city shelter, a local rescue or stop by our Adoption Center to meet your new best friend!  

Check our our current Adoptable Pets: www.midlandhumane.org/adoptables
 
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Shelia Huffman, Contributor
Shelia recently moved to the Greenwood community of Midland from Dallas where she was a staff writer for White Rock Lake Weekly and a columnist for Bubblelife Media.  A retired travel agent and event planner, she has  been an animal activist her entire life.  Shelia  has a daughter and son-in-law in Midland, a grandson in Dallas and a granddaughter at Texas Tech. She lists cooking and writing about food, and,  of course, playing with her Terrier Mix rescue, Penelope, as some of her favorite things.