Feeling lonely? Finding a furry friend may help.
San Mateo County, which declared loneliness a public health emergency earlier this year, has been running a campaign to address social isolation and loneliness. That included a recent Peninsula Humane Society event promoting pet adoption and therapy animals.
“Having a furry friend may be the best prescription a doctor can give if you are isolated and battling loneliness,” said David Canepa, San Mateo County Supervisor, who hosted the event.
The county is stepping up its campaign to address loneliness as a public health issue. Recently, the county approved $1 million in funding to implement anti-loneliness programs.
Why is loneliness a public health problem? A survey by the county found that about 45% of residents reported difficulties with social isolation and loneliness, which prompted Canepa to author the resolution.
A report by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy last year compared the physical affects of loneliness to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.
The report also found poor or insufficient social connection raises the risk of heart disease by 29%, stroke by 32%, and increases the likelihood of developing dementia by 50%. Murthy also emphasized that lacking social connection elevates the risk of premature death by more than 60%.
According to psychology and animal experts who spoke at the latest event in the anti-loneliness campaign’s “Loneliness to Light Series,” the benefits of pet companionship can help address health issues caused by loneliness including alleviating stress, improving heart rate and blood pressure, and encouraging physical activity. Pets are often used to provide support to people dealing with chronic pain and for emotional support.
While cats and dogs are the most popular pets in American households, the benefits can go for any legal pet including rabbits, birds or other companion animals.
“We use our pets to cope. Many have reported that they use their pets cope,” said Dr. Gretchen Reevy, a psychology professor from Cal State East Bay said.
Dr. Lynette Hart, a veterinarian from UC Davis, said pets not only have psychological, but physical benefits to offer older adults, especially those who are socially isolated.
“(Cognitive) decline among the aging is slower among pet owners than non-owners,” Hart said. “This is with measures of frailty, dementia, and physical function, the onset of disability or dementia.”
Virginia Chang Kiraly, from West Menlo Park, brought her fluffy and friendly four-year-old Bichon Frise, who she adopted from the East Bay in early 2022.
“It was almost like he picked us, too,” she said. “He is probably one of the most calm dogs I’ve ever seen. And he is the kind of dog who is like a weighted blanket. He can sit in your lap and you feel very comforted.”
Chang Kiraly,a San Mateo County Harbor District commissioner, pushed for a pet program to help firefighters deal with post-traumatic stress disorder.
“I believe in the power of pets and I think that they provide company, comfort, solace and protection,” Chang Kiraly said.
Emotional support and pet assisted therapy dogs have been gaining popularity in recent years.
And there were several in attendance at the Humane Society event including: Cooper, a 10-year-old terrier mix; Buster, an 8-year-old Labrador retriever; and Oliver, a 4-year-old basset hound.
A pet-assisted therapy animal is evaluated and trained provide comfort, support, and relief to individuals with physical, emotional, or mental health conditions.
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“The therapy animals just have a calming effect on the patients,” said Lisa Van Buskirk of the Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA. “It’s just amazing.”
In the months ahead, Canepa, who has been spearheading the anti-loneliness campaign, said there will be more workshops and resources to help San Mateo residents reduce experiencing loneliness and social isolation.
“The funds will be used to beef up our peer counseling and transportation program with Peninsula Family Services,” Canepa said, referring to the San Mateo non-profit organization. “That’s a big win for the residents of San Mateo County… That gets me excited, enthusiastic.”
Canepa’s ultimate goal with the campaign is to convince the governor to create an “office of loneliness,” similar to the efforts done in the U.K. and Japan, who have appointed ministers of loneliness in their respective countries.
“That’s what we have to do,” Canepa said. “We’re going to push this governor when the time is appropriate.”