Pets Bring a Number of Benefits to Older Adults

Study after study finds many seniors report feeling lonely and socially isolated, which can in itself put a person at higher risk for depression and other health problems. According to a recent 2023 National Poll on Healthy Aging (NPHA) from the University of Michigan; one in three adults aged 50–80 (34%) reported feeling isolated from others. Another 29% of respondents said some of the time, and 5% say they often felt isolated in the past year. While this is lower than responses during the height of the pandemic, the numbers are still higher than they were in 2019. 

Loneliness can be felt by any age group but as people age they are faced with unique challenges that can increase the problem such as the death of a spouse, retirement and their own declining health. To mitigate the problem, studies show a pet can fill some of the void by providing unconditional love, companionship and a sense of purpose. 

Researchers say older pet owners report being more physically active than their non-pet owner counterparts, which in turn can help lower blood pressure and decrease their risk of heart disease. Other studies find pets can aid in slowing down cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. 

Pets provide an elderly person with purpose, responsibility and routine. A dog needs to be walked, thereby providing exercise for the owner. They need to be fed each day as well as groomed and petted. Surveys also find a pet helps a person socially engage with others when out walking a dog or taking the pet to the groomer or vet. A dog can help a person feel more secure as they tend to bark when someone strange is at the door. The U of M survey also found older adults with pets reported less trips to the doctor. 

The MorningStar of Parker senior living community promotes a healthy lifestyle with maintenance-free living, companionship, wellness programs and activities, security and is pet friendly. Our fashionable suites include 49 independent living suites as well as 54 assisted living suites in a range of studios, and one- and two-bedroom floorplans. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides 43 all-inclusive memory care suites. Contact us for more information regarding our One Month RENT FREE – Memory Care only offer; or talk to us about scheduling a tour to one of the finest senior living communities in Parker, CO.