Pets Are Critical for Older Adults

Leading U.S. home care agency Home Instead Senior Care last year established a survey to gauge the benefits of pet ownership among older adults, reports Forbes . Seventy percent of respondents said their pet is a factor in making their decision of where to live in retirement, and 82 percent said they would not consider moving to a senior living community if no pets were allowed. Eighty-six percent said they would clearly feel lonely and decline in health without their pet. The most important benefit of pet ownership for senior respondents was "unconditional love," with 83 percent of those who live alone citing it as vital, while 73 percent of those who live with others also highlighted it. Seniors also saw benefits from interacting with pets at the homes of family, friends, and neighbors, and sometimes at a park. Dogs were the favorite pets for respondents, followed by cats.