FURRY FRIENDS, HEALTHIER LIVES: HOW PETS HELP OLDER ADULTS AGE WELL
Man’s best friend. Four‑legged family. Fur baby.
There are many names humans call the animals they choose to bring into their homes as pets. Since the dawn of time, pets have been at our sides, offering unconditional love and companionship.
As adults age, their social connections and support systems can shrink as children build families of their own or friends move away. Today, solo agers are a fast-growing segment of older adults, putting them at risk for loneliness and isolation.
One unique option emerging to combat isolation and loneliness in older adults is to consider bringing a pet into their lives. Researchers at Mather Institute found that pets helped with important life transitions or simply provided a regular pattern of life.
“Pets really support having a routine, which is an important piece in aging well,” Dr. Marielena Barbieri, a senior research associate with Mather Institute, says. “A strong routine with a pet can improve physical fitness and nurture human interactions. We found adults with pets were meeting more people simply by visiting a dog park or engaging with other pet owners.”
For instance, older adults with a dog were 40% more active than their peers, which may contribute to benefits such as lower depression, reduced BMI and enhanced mobility. The routines developed by caring for pets improves mental health and helps older adults feel needed. Mather also notes that those who have stronger bonds with their pets have greater benefits. Yet while a four-legged friend is a great way to reduce loneliness, pet ownership is not an alternative to human companionship.
“It’s important to understand having a pet does not replace human connection,” Barbieri says. “However, it does help people stay engaged with the world and find greater satisfaction in life.”
Before choosing a pet, there are a few questions to ask. First, consider what type of pet fits their lifestyle and mobility. Dogs are excellent social companions, but often require more physical work. A cat requires less physical output but still provides strong mental health benefits. Having the resources available to take care of the pet, including the ability to purchase food, medications and other items, is also a very important consideration.
For individuals interested in the benefits of pet ownership, yet find it’s not the right time in their life, Barbieri encourages them to seek out alternatives.
“From fostering animals or volunteering at a shelter to just spending time with pets of friends and family, there are other ways to take in the benefits pet ownership brings without making a full-time commitment,” she says.
For those who decide to bring a pet into their life, the benefits are immense.
“It’s very clear, pets, when thoughtfully matched, help provide purpose and connection that makes aging well possible,” Barbieri says. “There is a reason pets are called man’s best friend.”
