Pets Help Stop Elderly Suicide

South Australian researchers have found that the presence of a dog, cat or even budgerigar can help prevent suicide among people over 60 years. The unexpected finding in research overseen by lecturer Dr Janette Young from the University of South Australia health sciences supports a push to introduce pet fostering into aged care homes.

“Pets offer a counter to many older people’s sense of uselessness,”. “Animals need looking after which creates a sense of purpose for older people and they also promote social connections with other people.”