Owning an aquarium benefits wellbeing in living and working spaces according to many of our customers.
We also believe that owning an aquarium benefits wellbeing. We have had conversations about this with a lot of our fishkeeper friends, coming to the same conclusion. An aquarium can help you to relax and take you into another mind space whilst you are watching your aquatic animals. Some people find watching their aquarium helpful for mindfulness.
The aquarium in our local care home
It’s great to see such a large aquarium in our local care home. It is over 2 metres long! This is ideal for a care home because it means that the tank can house big, colourful fish that are easy to see, even for people with impaired vision. For best fish colouration use a combination of dry, frozen and live foods.
Our local care home specialises in care for:
- Dementia
- Mental health conditions
- Old age
- Physical disability
Watching tropical fish can be very calming. The staff and residents find their aquarium both entertaining and relaxing.
We believe that this aquarium is very helpful for the residents, read on to find out more!
A wellbeing case study:
In a study by researchers at Purdue University (1999) found that placing fish tanks in dementia units of nursing homes has links to aiding in reducing disruptive behaviour and also even improving the eating habits of those suffering with the disease. Over 16 weeks, 62 individuals were observed and results revealed an overall 21% increase in food intake and attentiveness up to 30 minutes. This is considered quite a long while for certain patients diagnosed with Dementia.
Researchers believe that the bright colours and movement of the fish, plus the rhythmic hum of the aquarium, provide sensory stimulation to patients. Being around water leads some people’s minds to be in a calmer, and also almost meditative, state.
Colourful fish
The two fish shown here are Red Severums, they are fairly peaceful but are not suitable to mix with small tropical fish. Severums need a large aquarium as they can easily grow to 20cm in length. These fish have a lifespan of around 10 years. To get the best colour and long-term health, Red Severums will benefit from large live food like river shrimp and large bloodworms. These are two items that come in a predatory fish live food box.
Owning an aquarium – benefits for mental health
Fish tanks can be very good for mental health conditions. Most likely, this is because watching fish and other aquatic animals has a hypnotic effect and is innately calming.
Research over the years has discovered associations between having pet fish in aquariums and reduced levels of stress and anxiety. ‘Aquarium therapy’, a coined term for this connection, is reported to have a positive impact on people with certain mental/emotional conditions, as well as developmental disorders like autism. People of all ages experience the positive benefits of a fish tank in their home or working space, there are also connections between aquariums and neurological illness like dementia.
For best fish health and colour, don’t forget to feed your pet fish with live food!
Live Fish Food by Post
Can owning an aquarium improve physical health?
There have been studies by scientists that suggest aquariums can have a calming effect on us. Watching a fish tank can have a very physical effect on us by easing muscle tension.
One experiment showed improvement in physical health. This is because participants’ heart rates and blood pressure were significantly reduced after spending a little time gazing into an aquarium.