Senior Living News, July 2025

As people age, they may face increased feelings of loneliness, isolation, or physical limitations. One increasingly recognized way to improve well-being in senior adults is through the companionship of animals. Whether it’s owning a pet or participating in animal-assisted therapy, the presence of animals can offer emotional, physical, and even cognitive benefits to seniors.

Emotional Benefits
Pets provide unconditional love and companionship, which can be especially important for seniors who live alone or have lost loved ones. Studies show that interaction with animals can:

• Reduce feelings of loneliness and depression
• Lower stress and anxiety levels
• Increase social interaction and communication

Simply petting a dog or cat has been found to release “feel-good” hormones like oxytocin and serotonin, which contribute to emotional well-being.

Physical Benefits
Caring for a pet encourages routine and physical activity, even if it’s just light movement like feeding, grooming, or walking.

• Improves heart health: Interacting with animals can lower blood pressure and heart rate.
• Encourages movement: Dog walking promotes daily exercise and helps maintain mobility.
• Strengthens immunity: Exposure to animals may improve immune function and reduce the risk of allergies in some people.

Cognitive and Mental Stimulation
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT), often offered in nursing homes and senior centers, uses trained animals to support therapeutic goals. Benefits include:

• Improved focus and memory: Engaging with animals can stimulate memory recall and communication in those with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
• Reduced agitation: Therapy pets often calm seniors in stressful situations, particularly those with cognitive disorders.
• Increased motivation: Regular visits from animals can encourage participation in physical and occupational therapy.

Choosing the Right Pet
While the idea of having a pet is appealing, it’s important to consider the senior’s lifestyle and abilities. Low-maintenance animals like cats, small dogs, or even birds and fish can offer companionship without overwhelming care needs. Some organizations also offer programs where seniors can “borrow” pets or receive visits from therapy animals without the full-time responsibility of ownership.

The bond between animals and people can be deeply healing. For seniors, pets offer more than companionship—they bring purpose, routine, joy, and improved health. Whether it’s through animal-assisted therapy or simply adopting a furry friend, integrating animals into a senior’s life can be one of the most enriching and therapeutic choices they make.