The Health Benefits of Pet Ownership for Older Adults
Pets bring joy and companionship to our lives, but their impact goes beyond just being cute and loving. Research shows that pet ownership can have significant health benefits, particularly for older adults. According to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), pet ownership saves the U.S. healthcare system $23 billion annually due to fewer doctor visits, reduced obesity, and improved mental wellness.1
During a presentation at the Age + Action conference, Jules Benson, Vice President of Pet Health and Chief Veterinary Officer at Nationwide, discussed the science-backed ways pets can positively impact older adults’ health. “About 20 or 30 years ago, we started to see a big increase in scientific research around the bond pets have with people, and vice versa,” he said.
3 Ways Having a Pet Can Improve Health
-
Physical Health Benefits Regular interaction with pets encourages physical activity, whether it’s playing outside or gentle grooming indoors. This can help lower blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol levels, maintain a healthy weight, strengthen bones and joints, and improve stamina. Studies have shown that dog owners are 34% more likely to walk at least 150 minutes per week compared to non-dog owners,3 and dog ownership is linked to a 24% lower risk of death from any cause and a 31% lower risk for cardiovascular-related deaths.4 Even cat ownership has been associated with decreased risk for cardiovascular death.5
-
Mental Health and Well-being Pets provide unconditional love and companionship, which can boost mental health. They are natural stress busters, with 95% of pet parents turning to their pets for stress relief.7 Pets can help alleviate depression and anxiety, common among older adults, by providing constant companionship and a sense of purpose through daily care activities. Playing with and talking to pets can increase feel-good hormones like oxytocin while reducing stress-related hormones like cortisol.9
-
Social Connection Having a pet can help older adults stay socially connected. Pets are natural icebreakers, encouraging conversations during walks or at the vet. This can lead to new friendships and stronger social networks. Pet owners often form bonds with other pet parents, exchanging experiences and support, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Considerations of Owning a Pet
While pets can enhance well-being, there are practical considerations. These include having enough living space, time for training and care, and the financial costs of pet ownership, including vet bills. Pet insurance can provide peace of mind by covering some or most vet bills, depending on the plan.
When considering pet insurance, factors to think about include the health and age of your pet, your budget, and your willingness to cover unforeseen veterinary costs. It’s essential to review the terms and coverage of different plans and compare the cost of premiums to your pet’s expected healthcare requirements.
Ultimately, the decision to get pet insurance depends on your pet’s needs, financial situation, and desire for a safety net. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for covering veterinary care costs.
Sources:
- Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). The Health Care Cost Savings of Pet Ownership.
- Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). New Survey Reveals 97% of Doctors Believe There Are Health Benefits to Owning a Pet.
- Mathew J. Reeves et al. The Impact of Dog Walking on Leisure-Time Physical Activity: Results From a Population-Based Survey of Michigan Adults. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. March 2011.
- Caroline K. Kramer et al. Dog Ownership and Survival: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Circulation. October 2019.
- Adnan I Qureshi, MD, et al. Cat ownership and the Risk of Fatal Cardiovascular Diseases. Results from the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Study Mortality Follow-up Study. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology. January 2009.
