Pets are a great source of companionship, love, and support for people of all ages. However, for senior citizens, owning a pet can be especially beneficial. As people age, they may find themselves living alone or in isolation due to various reasons such as retirement, loss of a spouse or friends, or physical limitations. In such cases, pets can provide much-needed emotional support and improve the overall quality of life for seniors. However, longevity can be a source of concern, and the from an estate planning perspective, a pet trust can provide a solution.
Companionship
One of the most significant benefits of pet ownership for seniors is that pets can reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Pets offer unconditional love and companionship to their owners and provide a sense of purpose and responsibility that can boost self-esteem. Studies have shown that interacting with pets can lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol and increase levels of oxytocin – the “feel-good” hormone – which can help alleviate depression symptoms.
Exercise and Socialization
Another advantage is that caring for a pet provides seniors with routine physical activity that keeps them active and engaged. Walking dogs or playing with cats helps seniors stay physically active while improving their cardiovascular health, muscle strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility.
Pets also provide opportunities for social interaction by allowing seniors to meet other pet owners while out on walks or at pet-friendly events. This socialization can lead to new friendships based on shared interests in animals.
Stress Relief and Sense of Purpose
Moreover, pets serve as excellent stress-relievers by providing comfort during difficult times such as illness or injury recovery periods. Pets have been shown to lower blood pressure levels in stressful situations like doctor visits or hospital stays.
Finally yet importantly, owning a pet gives senior citizens a sense of purpose and responsibility by providing them with someone who depends on them daily. This feeling is particularly important as many older adults may feel like they no longer contribute to society after retirement from work.
To sum it up, owning a pet has many benefits for senior citizens’ emotional well-being through offering companionship when living alone; reducing feelings of loneliness; providing opportunities for physical activity increasing social interaction; serving as an excellent stress reliever during difficult times; giving them something to care about on daily basis leading towards their sense purposefulness in life.
Pet Planning
Pets are more than just animals; they are our family members, companions, and friends. They bring joy and happiness to our lives, and we love them unconditionally. However, as much as we want to take care of them forever, we know that one day we will have to say goodbye. With this in mind, it is possible to effectively include your pet in your estate plan.
What Is a Pet Trust?
A pet trust is a legal arrangement that enables you to provide for the care and maintenance of your pets after you pass away or become incapacitated. It allows you to set aside funds for your furry friend’s future care and designate a caregiver who will be responsible for their welfare. In other words, a pet trust is like a will for your pets, where you can specify how much money should be allocated for their food, medical expenses, grooming, and any other needs they may have.
You can also choose someone who will be responsible for managing the funds and making sure that your pet receives proper care.
Why Should You Consider Pet Trust?
Many people assume that their relatives or friends will take care of their pets if something happens to them. However, this assumption may not always be accurate. In some cases, the person you expect to take care of your pet may not be able or willing to do so.
When you have a pet trust, the trustee that you designate will be compelled to follow your instructions with regard to the ongoing care of the pet. You fund the trust with the necessary resources, and the trustee will execute the plan.
Take Action Today!
If you want to work with an attorney to create a pet trust, or if you are ready to create an estate plan that does not involve pets, we can help. You can schedule a consultation at our Glastonbury or Westport, CT estate planning offices if you call us at 860-548-1000. There is also a contact form on this site you can use to send us a message.
Mr. Nirenstein is licensed to practice before the courts of the State of Connecticut and the United States District Court. He is a member of the Connecticut and Hartford County Bar Associations, and the Estate and Probate, Elder Law, Business Law and Real Estate Sections of the Connecticut Bar Association.