I asked my great aunt “What is something you struggle with on a daily basis?”, and she replied “I struggle with feeling safe in my own home, and going out because I live alone.”
I started thinking of possible solutions to her problem. My first idea was that she can just install a security system, but later realized it might not be as simple as I originally thought, because like many other elderly adults she is on a fixed income, and cannot afford it.
Next, I thought she could buy a firearm for emergencies, but then found that older people are more likely than the average person to suffer self-inflicted gunshot wounds, as accidental or intentional injuries, therefore this would only worsen the situation.
Finally I thought she could get a dog. Pets have been proven to reduce stress and lessen loneliness, and studies have shown that having a dog improves overall comfort and helps the owner feel safer, therefore solving my aunt’s problems.