Pets help keep seniors vibrant

They’re fun, lovable, affectionate, cute—and they bark.
Dubbed “Man’s best friend,” dogs are the perfect pet for not only your family but seniors, too.
At 86 years of age, Verna Roy is a local senior who’s not letting age slow her down. Her small dog (who could be mistaken for a puppy but also is considered a senior by all accounts) keeps her walking twice a day every day.
Roy lives on her own, makes her own meals, and constantly bakes and prepares tasty casseroles for her extended family.
Nothing keeps her from being completely independent.
But while age has made some tasks more difficult than they once were, Roy is adamant she walks her dog every day in rain, snow, sleet, and frigid temperatures.
Her dog “Missy” (also nicknamed Doo Doo) is, by all accounts, a “little princess” that demands treats from any newcomer into the home. She also is picky with her treats, but Roy always gives in to her demands.
That’s because Missy has done a lot for Roy. She is the reason why this sharp senior always leaves her house. “It definitely helps me because of my leg problems. Summer, winter, rain or shine, we go,” she said.
Missy provides companionship and is considered a family member.
“She’s going to be 14 years old in December, she’s very feisty and she can beat Benny up,” she chuckled.
“Benny” is a 12-year-old Border Collie owned by Kim and Patti Roy. When the two dogs get together (which is often, according to Roy), Missy is the one who always is boss.
When Roy’s husband was ill, the couple decided to get the small dog that is house trained to go to the washroom in the basement on newspaper, making it easier for Roy to clean up after her.
“She kept my husband company when he was ill and that’s why we got her. We always had big dogs, but that’s why he got her,” she explained. “He wasn’t strict with her, he just wanted her company, as a companion and she’s definitely a companion.”
The Roys used to have German Shepherds and Labs that were very well-trained and went up to their family cabin on Rainy Lake for many summers and winters.
“Missy was just his love; very, very definitely,” she reminisced.
With her husband’s passing, Roy lives alone here in town but very close to her son, Kim.
Every day Roy has visitors, whether it be her grandson, Rollie, daughter-in-law, Patti, or other grandchildren or friends.
Her social life is active, and she always makes a point to get some fresh air regardless of what it looks like outside her bay window. “It’s good for both of us,” she reasoned.
Missy usually takes the same walk every day, but Roy notes there’s one patch of grass where there’s a peculiar plant that Missy seems to take a particular liking to.
She jokingly described it as the dog’s “marijuana.”
There’s no question that having a pet as a companion is important to keeping seniors not only active, but feeling like they have a purpose in life.
Often, without hobbies, seniors will age much faster.
Having a dog, or a garden or a close social support system, often helps keep seniors sharp and less susceptible to old-age diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s, according to Dr. Donald Kline, a professor at the University of Calgary.
Research suggests keeping your mind active with other activities, like crossword puzzles, or playing Mah Jong or cards, can reduce the likelihood of memory loss, too.
“There is a lot of research that shows that moderate and reliable consistent amounts and levels of exercise are a good thing. . . . Eat right, too. Low carbs, watch your blood sugar,” Kline said.
Kline specializes in opthamology, but sees many seniors due to eye-related problems that are caused by lifestyle choices.
“You look down the road and recognize that you want to do as much aging as you can because aging is a synonym for living,” Kline stressed. “The only way to stop aging is to stop living.”