Pets are good for old age

For the elderly, owning a pet might make life a lot better, especially if they’re living alone.

According to an April 2019 survey by the University of Michigan, 73% of older pet owners said their pet provided them with a sense of purpose. On top of that, 79% said their pets reduced their stress, and 65% said their pets helped them connect with other people.

All of these factors contribute to healthy aging. A 2017 study found that pet ownership was good for overall health in older people. In the study, pets were described as a “psychological deterrent to loneliness.”