With the number of adults 65 and older growing, and more at risk of social isolation and loneliness due to changes in health and social connections that can come with growing older, the companionship of a wagging tail or a soft purr can enrich the lives of older adults.
Dr. Erin Ray, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, shares the physical and mental health benefits of older adults having a pet.
One of the benefits is that it offers an older population a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility in their daily lives.
“Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the advantages of pet ownership,” Ray said. “Pet owners tend to be more physically active, have a reduced risk of heart disease, and engage in more social interactions with others due to their pets. Consequently, they often experience less loneliness and stress compared to people without pets.”
Having a pet also provides structure to older owners’ days and keeps them busier and helps fulfill the emotional and caregiving instincts that many humans have. Forming connections in the community becomes much easier as people tend to be more comfortable talking to or about an animal rather than directly to a stranger.
Ray also notes that these relationships can often lead to people performing favors for one another, such as house sitting or feeding a neighbor’s pet. This can effectively foster a support system from non-family members to become invested in the well-being of the older adult – especially when family is not nearby.
The greatest priority in older adult pet ownership is ensuring that the owner can properly care for the animal they are committing to.
Specific challenges older pet owners may encounter include difficulty administering medication for a pet’s chronic illness or other ailment; struggling to keep up with more active pets’ physical needs; getting pets to and from veterinary visits, traveling or finding care when leaving town. When an older adult is selecting the “purrfect” pet to match the specific needs in their life, the size and type of pet as well as temperment that matches the person.
Another consideration is being wary of pets that showcase signs of separation anxiety.
Investing in a furry friend can bring an immense amount of joy and companionship to an older person’s life, as long as the owner is capable of providing proper care. Family may assist with the animal’s care to help minimize the challenges experienced by the older owner.