December 3, 2024
Social Isolation and Loneliness Impact Health
A study from 2020 shows how a quarter of Americans, aged 65 and up, experience social isolation. Although not all people who feel lonely are isolated, isolation can cause loneliness. Social isolation can affect both a person's mind and body.
Social isolation has been tied to an increased risk of certain health issues. These include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and dementia. It can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Some of our neighbors who live alone are at risk of these health complications, but Meals on Wheels Central Texas strives to reduce that risk. One approach we take is to eliminate loneliness.
Pet Companions Support Mental Health
One great prescription for loneliness? Pets! Meals on Wheels Central Texas neighbors can experience limited social contact for various reasons. A pet is a furry friend they can always have around. Below are some ways older adults may benefit from having a pet companion.
Pets offer great company. Whether you wake up to purrs from your cat or cuddles from your dog, you will feel less lonely with the company your pet provides. Pets are also great conversation starters and can help you engage with your neighbors.
Pets make you feel loved. Pets love unconditionally. They trust their owners and look to them for care. Studies have revealed that interacting with pets can release oxytocin, a "feel-good hormone" associated with love.
Pets can reduce stress. Research has shown that interacting with pets can lower cortisol, a stress hormone in the body. For all the worries in life, spending time with your pet can boost your physical activity levels.
Pets help you relax. Studies have also revealed that spending time with pets can cause the release of the "happy hormones" dopamine and serotonin. These help to promote calmness and relaxation.
Pet companions help alleviate loneliness caused by social isolation. This can help reduce the risk of the health concerns that increase due to isolation.
PALS (Pets Assisting the Lives of Seniors) is a Meals on Wheels Central Texas program that supports older adults and people living with disabilities who own pets. PALS offers pet food, veterinary care, and other pet services for neighbors' pets.
Volunteer with the PALS Program
Do you love animals and have a passion for supporting the community? The PALS (Pets Assisting the Lives of Seniors) program at Meals on Wheels Central Texas welcomes you!
Here's how you can volunteer with us:
Help transport neighbors' pets. Volunteers can drive neighbors' pets around the Greater Austin area for services like veterinary care and grooming appointments.
Join a Second Saturday pet supply delivery. Every second Saturday of the month, PALS volunteers assigned to a route will deliver a month's worth of supplies to neighbors who are on the list.
Make a one-time pet supply delivery. You can make a huge impact with a one-time delivery to a PALS neighbor. Registered volunteers will recieve weekly PALS emails with these delivery requests from pals@mowctx.org.
Donate to PALS. PALS accepts pet food and supplies to distribute to neighbors with pets including:
- Canned or dry food for cats/dogs
- Cat litter
- New or gently used litter boxes, pee pads, leashes, beds, toys, and scratching posts
- Gift cards to any store that sells pet food or supplies
You can also start a donation drive at your workplace, religious institution, or community center and collect the items listed above.
Temporarily foster a neighbor's pet. For instances when a neighbor has to be away from home, like hospital stays, PALS volunteers can open their home to neighbors' pets. The PALS program will ensure pets are up to date on vaccinations and have food and supplies for the duration of their stay.
Questions? For more info on donating to or volunteering with PALS, please contact the PALS Coordinator at pals@mealsonwheelscentraltexas.org.
Meals on Wheels Central Texas provides care that empowers neighbors by promoting dignity and independence. Empowering our neighbors to own pets is one way to achieve this mission. Overall, pet companions offer many benefits for older adults and people living with disabilities such as boosting mood, reducing loneliness, and increasing movement.
Help us support neighbors with furry friends by volunteering with PALS or donating to support the cause today.