How Pets Help With Aging
Having a pet can bring with it a multitude of benefits to seniors. The benefits can include improved mental and emotional health, more opportunities for physical activity, decreased loneliness, and improved cardiovascular health[1].
A Senior’s Best Friend
Seniors can often experience the effects of loneliness, as roughly 28% of older adults live alone. Loneliness in seniors can lead to physical health effects seen over time such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and a weakened immune system[2].
Pets can provide opportunities for socialization or become a companion themselves. According to a survey of pet owners, 80% say their pet makes them feel less lonely, and 54% say their pet helps them connect with other people[3]. The loyalty and affection of a pet can create a feeling of being wanted or needed. They can also soothe anxiety through the act of petting or their warm presence[4].
The companionship of a pet can even increase life expectancy. Data suggests that adults with adequate social relationships have a 50% greater likelihood of survival compared to those with poor or insufficient social relationships[5]. The relationship owners often form with their pet can be described as strong, close, and supportive[6]. This makes it a fulfilling relationship that can supplement human relationships and even provide a relationship unique to a human-animal bond. Pets also help manage diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia[7].
Increased Quality of Life for Seniors with Pets
Having a pet means having responsibility. This responsibility can give seniors a sense of purpose and structure that can typically be lacking in retired life[8]. Studies have shown that pet owners are more likely to manage their own health conditions when following caretaking routines for their pet[9].
Pets give seniors encouragement to be active and engaged in their daily lives. Routines like feeding, walking, and playing all promote physical activity and interaction[10]. These are factors in a higher quality of life for seniors. This can also come with reduced depression and anxiety, and overall improved mental health[11].
What is the Best Pet for Seniors?
When selecting the best pet for a senior, there are multiple factors to consider. While all pets require a certain level of attention and care, some pets require more maintenance than others, like rabbits, ferrets, parrots, and even certain dog breeds like border collies, bulldogs, and Siberian huskies. It is important to determine how much care you are able to provide so that the pet you get is not more than you can give.
It is also important to get a pet that does not fall outside of your financial abilities. Fish and rodents, while relatively low maintenance, require equipment and habitats that can be expensive. Dogs and cats can even end up requiring special dietary needs and consistent toys or bedding.
Lastly, keep in mind the temperament of the animal. Dogs can often be high energy, especially if they are younger. Cats can get understimulated which can lead to acting out if not properly mitigated. If you require a calm animal, make sure to look at older or lower energy options.
What if You Can’t Own a Pet?
If owning a pet is just not in the cards for you, that's ok. There are other ways to interact with animals to get the benefits.
Volunteering at animal shelters
Visit friends and family members with pets
Do activities involving animals such as visiting a cat cafe or zoo, attending events at animal sanctuaries, or walking through a nature preserve.
Visit the websites below to find opportunities in your area to interact with animals:
Des Moines
Des Moines County Humane Society
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa
Omaha
Lincoln
Works Cited
1. Centers, Senior Friendship, and Jodel Velarde. “The Impact of Pet Ownership on Senior Happiness and Health.” Senior Friendship Centers, 5 Apr. 2024, friendshipcenters.org/the-impact-of-pet-ownership-on-senior-happiness-and-health/. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
2. Chae, Christine. “Abundance Therapy Center.” Abundance Therapy Center, 29 Feb. 2024, www.abundancetherapycenter.com/blog/how-pets-can-help-us-through-isolation. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
3. Ellis, Annalyse, et al. “The Associations between Human–Companion Animal Relationship Duration, Companion Animal Life Stage, and Relationship Quality.” Animals, vol. 14, no. 11, 29 May 2024, p. 1606, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11171028/#:~:text=The%20LAPS%20%5B43%5D%20is%20a, https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14111606. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
4. Holt-Lunstad, Julianne, et al. “Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-Analytic Review.” PLoS Medicine, vol. 7, no. 7, 27 July 2010, journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
5. National Institute on Aging. “Social Isolation, Loneliness in Older People Pose Health Risks.” National Institute on Aging, 23 Apr. 2019, www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
6. News In Health. “The Power of Pets.” NIH News in Health, National Institute of Health, Feb. 2018, newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/power-pets. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
7. “Quality of Life | Mental Health | Research | HABRI.” HABRI, 21 Feb. 2025, habri.org/research/mental-health/quality-of-life/#footnote-1. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
8. Scheibeck, R, et al. “Elderly People in Many Respects Benefit from Interaction with Dogs.” European Journal of Medical Research, vol. 16, no. 12, 2 Dec. 2011, p. 557, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3351901/, https://doi.org/10.1186/2047-783x-16-12-557. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
9. “Social Isolation & Loneliness.” HABRI, habri.org/research/mental-health/social-isolation/. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
10. Sykes, Jane. “Health Benefits of Pets: How Your Furry Friend Improves Your Mental and Physical Health.” Cultivating-Health, UC Davis Health, 11 Apr. 2024, health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/health-benefits-of-pets-how-your-furry-friend-improves-your-mental-and-physical-health/2024/04. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
11. UCI Health. “The Power of Pets for Older Adults | UCI Health | Orange County, CA.” Ucihealth.org, 20 May 2025, www.ucihealth.org/blog/2025/05/power-of-pets-for-older-adults. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
