Research shows that owning a pet can help foster physical, social, and emotional wellness in older adults. However, there are certain factors to keep in mind when looking for a pet as a senior to ensure the one you choose is the right fit for your lifestyle. In this article, we’ll explore the ways in which seniors can benefit from pet ownership and discuss the best types of pets for seniors.
How Seniors Can Benefit From Pet Ownership
A pet can be more than just a furry friend, with the benefits of pet ownership for seniors ranging from physical to mental to emotional. Some of the ways that pets can improve the lives of older adults include:
Providing a Sense of Purpose and Routine: Caring for a pet can help seniors establish and maintain a daily routine, providing a sense of purpose and structure to their days. It can also instill feelings of responsibility and fulfillment, helping support a sense of purpose and self-worth.1
Encouraging Physical Activity and Mobility: Owning a pet can encourage seniors to engage in physical activity, such as walking a dog or playing with a cat, promoting better fitness and overall health.1 Even providing care to small mammals, like rodents or birds, can support increased mobility and activity.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety: The presence of a pet can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, offering emotional comfort and a source of joy.2
Offering Companionship and Socialization: Pets provide constant companionship, reducing feelings of loneliness and providing emotional support for seniors, especially those living alone or experiencing social isolation. Pets can serve as social facilitators, sparking conversations with other pet owners and creating opportunities for social interaction and community engagement.1
What are the best pets for seniors?
If you’re a senior looking for a pet, the right type of companion for you will depend on factors like your type of home or residence, your activity level, your income, and your mobility. Here are some common pets that may be a good fit for seniors:
Dogs: Small or medium-sized, low-energy dogs can be excellent companions for seniors. Dogs with these qualities require less exercise than larger, high-energy dogs, making them a good choice for seniors with lower activity levels or with mobility issues.
Cats: Cats are generally low-maintenance pets that can provide companionship and entertainment. Their independent nature and ability to adapt to smaller living spaces make them well-suited for seniors.
Birds: Birds like parakeets or cockatiels can make great pets for seniors. They are fairly easy to care for, and their singing can provide a sense of relaxation and companionship for older adults, especially those who live alone.
Fish: Keeping an aquarium can offer a calming and visually pleasing experience for seniors. Fish are low-maintenance pets that can provide a sense of tranquility and relaxation and can also be a good option for seniors with mobility problems that limit their ability to care for a traditional pet like a dog or cat.
Small Mammals: Small mammals like rabbits, guinea pigs, or hamsters can be suitable for seniors who prefer pets that are relatively independent and require minimal exercise. These animals can offer companionship and entertainment without the more extensive care requirements of larger pets.
Find More Senior Lifestyle Advice from SelectQuote
Pet ownership is just one of the many ways seniors can enrich their lives. If you’re looking to explore more lifestyle and wellness advice, SelectQuote is here to offer our trusted guidance and support. Get started exploring our library of articles with tips to help older adults stay happy, healthy, and well.
Sources:
1. https://www.healthyagingpoll.org/reports-more/report/how-pets-contribute-healthy-aging
2. https://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/pets-and-seniors/
