Vancouver, Wash. – Owning a pet can be physically and mentally beneficial for people of all ages. Animals can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase social interaction and physical activity. From companionship to security, pets can provide older adults a better quality of life and improve aging in place.

Learn about the health benefits animals can provide and how to best plan for your pets at the next meeting of the Commission on Aging, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20.

The meeting will be in the sixth-floor Hearing Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.

Cheri Martin and Bob Libby from the Southwest Washington Humane Society will explore how relationships with animals can impact health and well-being, especially for older adults. They will also provide information and resources on what to consider when adopting a pet and how to plan for your pets’ needs if you can no longer take care of them either short- or long-term.

The Nov. 20 discussion is the eighth meeting this year focused on healthy communities, especially for people 65 and older. Healthy communities can contribute to one’s ability to live independently, safely, and comfortably.

The Commission on Aging, supported by the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members. For more about the commission, please visit www.clark.wa.gov/aging.

Commission meetings are carried live on CVTV Channel 23 and online at www.cvtv.org. To see replay times, go to www.cvtv.org.

CONTACT
Jacqui Kamp
Community Planning
564.397.4913
jacqui.kamp@clark.wa.gov