The Science of Aging Well: How Your Beliefs Affect Your Health
Editor’s Note: The prevalence of mental health conditions (most commonly anxiety and depression) accelerated during the COVID pandemic and has been on the rise in many places. Some people may find that letting a reptile into their life can help combat some of the effects of their condition – and this holds true for people living with some physical disabilities as well.
(Note: It can be hard to live with these conditions, and you should discuss any treatment plan or coping mechanism with a doctor or mental health professional.)
In this article, we discuss the reasons reptiles may be the perfect pet for someone with a disability.
1. Reptiles can be accessible pets for people with limited mobility.
Dogs are often touted as a great pet for people looking to become more active and get outside more. But, for some people, the level of physical activity required to own even a small or elderly dog is prohibitive. If you can’t walk much or keep up with a dog, reptiles may be the perfect option.
Reptiles are easy to care for, even if you’ve never owned one before, and many people who might not be able to own a dog or cat can provide great care to a lizard or snake.
I often tell people through our website, More Reptiles: “Most reptiles should never leave their tanks, and there are many that never need to be picked up or handled at all.” great for people who might struggle to lift an animal. Because they live in tanks that are typically placed on a shelf, table, or stand, reptiles can also generally be cared for without needing to bend down or get on the floor.
2. Reptiles provide a sense of companionship and can combat loneliness.
Besides being a risk factor for mental health issues like depression, loneliness and isolation can have negative effects on a person’s physical as well as mental health. These problems can be exacerbated for people with physical or mental disabilities that make it difficult for them to leave the house or connect with other people.
Keeping a reptile can help combat these feelings by helping people connect with another living creature. As an added bonus – because reptile keeping is such an intense hobby with devoted followers – keeping a reptile can provide a gateway for human connection through reptile expos, online forums, and hobby groups.
3. Reptiles are great pets for people who can’t leave the house.
Whether because of physical limitations or mental health conditions like anxiety or agoraphobia, some people struggle or are unable to leave their houses regularly or at all. Reptiles may be the perfect pet for them.
Except for some larger species of turtle or tortoise, reptiles never need outdoor exercise, and it is exceptionally rare for one to escape both its tank and the house. In the internet age, food and other supplies can be delivered straight to your door, and many health conditions can actually be treated at home, meaning even visits to a vet are rare. With assistance for those rare visits, a housebound person can easily keep a happy, healthy reptile in their home.
4. Caring for a reptile can help create and maintain a routine.
Routine tasks that feel meaningful – such as feeding a pet or cleaning their tank – can be very helpful for people struggling with some mental health conditions (notably depression as well as addiction and bipolar disorder.
Taking on the responsibility for a pet can also help people feel independent even if they require assistance in other areas of their lives, or be a small step in regaining independence for people recovering from a debilitating injury such as a stroke or traumatic brain injury. While people dealing with serious conditions should consult with a doctor or mental health professional before taking on a new pet, there are also low-level benefits to routine for people with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and depression who can benefit from a regular schedule of caring for their reptile.
The world can be an isolating place when you’re living with a disability. Seek help if you need it, and consider if the health benefits of keeping a reptile are right for you.
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