By Steve Dale, CABC
For older adults living alone, dogs and cats may help reduce loneliness, encourage physical activity and support emotional well-being, according to new research from Mather Institute which is a reminder and reconfirmation of existing studies.
The newly released Mather Institute research report surveyed 900 adults ages 55 and older who are “solo aging,” meaning they are growing older while living alone, often without regular support from family or friends. The findings suggest that pets often provide an important source of connection and purpose as people grow older.
Among survey participants, 76% said their pets improved their emotional well-being, while 62% reported reduced stress. Another 45% noted that pet ownership increased their physical activity. Also, nearly half said that their pets helped reduce loneliness.
These benefits can be especially meaningful as people age and their social networks change. As friends and family members may move away or pass way. Retirement can reduce opportunities for everyday interaction. So, walking a dog can create opportunities to meet neighbors and talk with other pet owners.
Pets also provide daily routines and a sense of responsibility. Feeding, grooming and playing with an animal can give structure to the day and reinforce a sense of purpose or at the very least a reason to get up in the morning.
Dogs and cats may offer different benefits
The research found differences between dog and cat owners, although the results do not establish that one species is better for a particular age group.
No surprise – dog owners reported the highest levels of physical activity, scoring 42% higher than adults without pets.
Interestingly, among participants ages 55 to 64, dog owners reported fewer depressive symptoms and better overall well-being than cat owners. However, for participants ages 75 and older, cat owners reported fewer depressive symptoms than dog owners.
The study also highlights the importance of health span — the period of life spent in good health and enjoying a good quality of life. Physical activity, social relationships, and emotional well-being all contribute to aging well.
Making pet ownership possible
Pet ownership also presents challenges, including veterinary expenses, time commitments and concerns about who will care for an animal if its owner becomes ill or can no longer provide care.
The Mather findings add to a substantial body of existing research examining the relationship between companion animals and human well-being.
Here are three examples:
- A 2019 systematic review of 145 studies on older adults examined animal interactions in relation to physical activity, depression, anxiety, loneliness, and social functioning.
- A 2022 systematic review found that pet ownership was associated with lower social isolation in adult populations, although findings on loneliness were mixed.
- A 2026 review of research involving older adults likewise identified potential benefits but reported inconsistent results across several health and well-being measures.
Together, these findings and numerous others support continued investigation of how pets may contribute to healthy aging.
Helping older adults keep their pets may require affordable veterinary care, pet-friendly housing, emergency foster arrangements, and practical community support. These resources can help preserve relationships that provide companionship, routine, and connection.
For an older adult living alone, a pet can be much more than a companion. And even if all the pets happened to be is a companion – there’s a huge benefit right there.