Research has revealed that 14% of over 55s spend over 51 hours alone a week. Now a new campaign is looking to highlight the benefits of owning a dog, particularly an older dog, to those over 55 who spend on average 19 hours a week on their own.
The research was commissioned by Lily’s Kitchen pet food to coincide with the 16th birthday of ‘Lily’, the Border Terrier behind the brand who is the equivalent of 112 in dog years. The natural pet food company is partnering with animal welfare charity ‘The Mayhew’ as they look to raise awareness of the benefits that adopting an older dog can have on over 55s across the country.
Tens of thousands of older dogs are dumped or put up for rehoming in the UK every year and with British over 55s saying the main attributes they look for in a companion are loyalty (61%), trustworthiness (71%), comfort (43%) and a sense of company (43%), an older dog could be the perfect solution.
According to the research, having a dog even helped ‘empty nesters’ fill the void of not having their kids at home anymore, but also ensured their mental health didn’t suffer as a result (54%), with a further 25% saying they helped keep loneliness levels at a minimum and 21% it encouraged them to do exercise.
A massive 45% of over 55s said their dog helps reduce their stress, anxiety and depression levels while just under a fifth (17%) went as far as saying their dog was ‘the reason they get up in the morning’.
According to Tanya Madden, The Mayhew’s Deputy Head of Animal Welfare: “Many people automatically think of a puppy or young dog when they think of adopting a dog, but older dogs are calmer, more relaxed, more independent and often trained, providing that loyal and uplifting companion over 55s may be looking for.
“Rehoming an adult or senior dog can be immensely gratifying whilst providing a second chance to a deserving pet to become part of a loving household.”
Henrietta Morrison is the founder of Lily’s Kitchen pet food and parent to Lily the Border Terrier who was the inspiration behind the brand. Lily suffered from a skin condition which led Henrietta to cook her food from scratch in her kitchen in Hampstead, London, before launching her own rage of natural, real food for pets which is now available in supermarkets and pet food shops nationwide.
Says Henrietta: “Owning an older dog requires a change of pace. Taking care of them is a very different way of life to when they were excitable puppies. And the transition from puppy to old dog seems to happen very quickly.
“Lily is now sixteen but it only seems like yesterday she was chasing little Lulu, my other Border Terrier aged six around the garden. Life is much slower with an older dog; you have to be so much more sensitive to their needs.
“But learning to be slower does have its benefits for us humans and this often suits older people much more. I’m definitely making the most of every moment I can spend with Lily and enjoying taking things at her pace instead of mine."
