Sick? Forget Meds: Get a Dose of 'Roo

May 10, 2007 — -- The residents of one Utah senior center are getting a hopped-up dose of medicine.

But they're not popping pills, they're spending quality time with Elliot, a 6-month-old kangaroo that is one of the most popular members of Salt Lake City's Silverado Senior Living Community.

Elliot hops the halls, mingling with the 120 seniors suffering from Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Silverado staff member Noralynn Snow told ABC News that he brings a special dose of marsupial medicine.

"With Elliot here he causes excitement, both with the residents, the families and my staff," she said.

Studies have found that pets of all kinds -- from kangaroos to dogs to lizards -- can have huge health benefits. A 2003 study by the American Journal of Cardiology found that after a heart attack, pet owners have healthier hearts than heart attack patients who don't have a dog, cat or other pet.

"There is actually a biochemical event that happens when they come in contact, a biochemical spa treatment of sorts," explained veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, author of "The Healing Power of Pets." "It lowers blood pressure and elevates the mood."

As kangaroos age, they grow too rambunctious to have around patients. So in a few months, Elliot will move to a farm and a new kangaroo will arrive to help keep this unique form of healing hopping.