Owning a dog offers numerous benefits, especially for seniors. These furry companions provide emotional support, encourage physical activity, and even enhance mental well-being. However, longevity concerns might make some seniors hesitant to adopt a pet. Fortunately, a pet trust can offer a perfect solution.
Emotional and Mental Benefits
Dogs are known for their unconditional love and companionship. As people age, they often face increased loneliness and depression. Having a dog helps combat these feelings by offering a constant source of affection. Studies show that pet owners report lower levels of stress and anxiety.
Physical Benefits
Dogs need walks, and walks mean exercise. Taking your dog for a daily walk encourages physical activity. Exercise, even in moderate amounts, contributes to better heart health, improved strength, and enhanced mobility. In essence, a dog could be your personal fitness trainer.
Cognitive Benefits
Engaging with your pet stimulates your brain. From learning new training commands to solving behavior-related puzzles, owning a dog keeps your mind active. Active cognitive function is crucial for seniors, as it can help delay the onset of conditions like Alzheimer’s.
Concerns About Longevity
You may wonder what will happen to your dog if it outlives you. This concern is where a pet trust comes into play. A pet trust ensures that your pet receives the care it needs in the event you’re no longer able to provide it.
What Is a Pet Trust?
A pet trust is a legally enforceable arrangement. You set aside funds specifically for the care of your pet. A trustee manages these funds and disburses them according to your directions. This setup ensures your pet will continue to live in the manner to which it’s accustomed, even if you’re not around.
Dog Breeds Ideal for Seniors
Selecting the right dog breed is crucial. Here are some breeds that are particularly suited for seniors:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Known for their calm demeanor and affectionate nature, these dogs make excellent companions for seniors. They require moderate exercise, fitting well into a more relaxed lifestyle.
Bichon Frise
This small and cheerful breed requires minimal exercise. Bichon Frises are social and enjoy spending time with their owners, making them perfect for seniors looking for a companion.
Shih Tzu
Easy to train and low-maintenance, a Shih Tzu offers a lot of love in a small package. Their long, flowing coat requires regular grooming, providing another engaging activity for seniors.
Greyhound
Believe it or not, Greyhounds make excellent pets for seniors. They are low-energy and content to lounge around the house when they’re not exercising. Their easy-going nature makes them a hit with older adults.
Conclusion
Adopting a dog offers a myriad of benefits for seniors, from emotional companionship to physical activity. Concerns about longevity can be easily addressed through a pet trust. When selecting a pet, choose a breed that fits your lifestyle and needs. In the end, the companionship and joy a dog brings can greatly enrich your golden years.
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While he was in law school, he worked as an aide to the late John Sparkman, Senior Senator from Alabama. This gave him the opportunity to gain intimate knowledge of the workings of government, and this background has served him well.
He started his private practice in New York in 1974, the first Sikh to be admitted to the bar in the state of New York.And in 1995, when he narrowed his legal focus to the areas of estate planning and elder law, the prestigious American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys accepted him into their membership.
Special needs planning is an important aspect of the field, and Mr. Khalsa has intertwined his empathy with his expertise to become a leading advocate in this area. Shortly after the Education for All Handicapped Children Act was enacted in 1975, he won the first case in New York that was adjudicated under this law.
S.J. Khalsa has a penchant for philanthropy, and he has raised well over $20 million for charities nationwide. He is a deeply spiritual man who represents the Sikh religion at religious and interfaith gatherings all over the globe.
He believes that successful professionals should contribute to the fabric of their communities, and to this end, he works with law enforcement in New York.
Mr. Khalsa is a graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy program, and he is active in their Alumni Association. He is a member of the FBI/New York Police Department Joint Task Forces on Civil Rights and Hate Crimes, and he sits on the Community Engagement Council that advises the FBI Assistant Director for New York.
He is the author of the highly acclaimed book, Estate Planning Essentials: A Guidebook for Modern Families. Lawyers of Distinction recognized him for his excellence in 2020, naming him a 2020 Power Lawyer, and he is a member of the prestigious American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.
Mr. Khalsa lives in Manhattan with his wife, and he has two grown children and four grandchildren. He likes to travel, and he is an avid golfer. As the co-owner of Kundalini Yoga East in New York along with his wife, he instructs practitioners and aspiring yoga teachers.
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