As we get older, our routines change and we slow down. Possibly we will lose our life companion and have to make some painful adjustments in our day to day lives. The onset of elderly problems can cause more distress and leave us feeling isolated and useless. As oftentimes our friends are just as elderly as we are, we find that bereavement is something we must deal with more and more each year that passes.
Keeping a sense of humor is something that can see us through some upsetting moments in our baby boomer and older age and keeping a faithful and affectionate pet such as a dog can be the answer to loneliness and isolation. As our own elderly problems diminish our physical and mental capacities, our dogs are also getting a little grey around the muzzle and beginning to display the symptoms of doggy elderly problems, becoming slower and more likely to sleep during the day.
As we age, our bodies normally slow us down and we no longer need the level of exercise we once did; a long walk in the park each day might suffice and this is where a dog can really be an asset in our latter years.
Some prefer to be ‘pet free’, protesting that pets are too much of a tie and if there is a dog at home it is difficult to leave and travel etc. However, dogs can always go along if you make the right arrangements and pick somewhere they are welcome. Some dogs just love going out in the car – mine puts his nose out of the window and the wind blowing his shaggy coat makes him look like a Mad Professor – and they make great travelling companions.
Dogs are highly intelligent and caring and often will adopt a sharper sense of protection as their owner ages. It is common to see dogs guiding their frail owners with elderly problems across the road and not just dogs trained to guide the blind but ordinary, loyal pooches who sense their owners are becoming slightly dependant. So they step in and shoulder the responsibility of getting them both across the road safely.
A dog can be a close friend as we age and it is important that we recognize our furry friend is getting on in years too. Take your dog to the vet for regular check ups, have their weight checked to make sure there is not too much strain being placed upon their pelvic joints and if they are too heavy, help them to diet and exercise to get the weight off and lengthen their life. Pay closer attention to their claws, which grow longer in age (same as ours!) and require clipping more regularly.
Most of all spend time with your dog and give him (or her) all the love and devotion he has given to you over years of love and loyal companionship.
Furry Friends: Pets Getting Old with their Owners is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of baby boomers psychological coaching tips and how to alleviate elderly problems. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.
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