As we age, life can get a bit lonelier. According to a study from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) and shared by the CDC, over one-third of adults over age 45 struggle with loneliness, and nearly 25% of people 65 years or older are socially isolated. 

But pet ownership offers an enriching way to bring joy and companionship into the lives of seniors. If you're looking for furry friends that make great social support companions for your elderly loved ones, search no more. 

Seniors can benefit from pet companionship, especially during times of stress like the COVID-19 pandemic. A University of York study in 2020 revealed that almost 90% of the participants felt their pet helped them emotionally during the pandemic, and 96% said it kept them physically active and fit, proving just how important pets are. 

When it comes to finding furry friends for our senior loved ones, there are plenty of perfect pets out there. Let's dive in and explore the best options for pets that can bring joy and companionship into seniors’ lives. 

Companion Pets for Seniors #1: The Rescue

Every pet deserves a loving home. For seniors, rescuing an animal can be a perfect match. Searching for that special pup in need of love and companionship, and maybe even some extra snuggles, can bring joy to a senior’s life. That is truly priceless.

Pets for the Elderly is a nonprofit that helps make this possible by offsetting pre-adoption costs like veterinary exams or spay and neuter fees. In 1992, Avvy Katz took the impactful step in his seventies to champion seniors and companion animals alike. He created Pets for the Elderly to bring joy into the lives of elderly individuals through pet ownership while also saving shelter pets who desperately needed homes. Three cheers for this amazing man and his inspirational vision!

This special program can be your connection to finding the perfect pet companion for you, or you can try a local shelter. From pups and kitties to bunnies, guinea pigs, and even small mice, there are a lot of rescues looking for their new forever home.  

Companion Pets for Retirees #2: The Senior Pet

For seniors seeking a loyal companion to join them on their retirement journey, seeking out an older pet may be an ideal match. Several programs exist to help pair seniors with senior pets, which are usually animals aged six years or more. 

Older pets offer numerous benefits and are gentler and calmer. Senior pets are typically already trained. You don't have to worry about them chewing up shoes or having accidents. With less energy than younger animals and more experience navigating life situations, they could make the perfect buddy for a senior. 

Plus, you'll be doing these animals a huge favor by giving them a forever home; there's nothing quite like the unconditional love of a furry friend.

Companion Pets for Seniors #3: The Foster

Foster parenting is an amazing opportunity for seniors to make a difference in the life of an animal. With plenty of time on their hands, retirees have just what it takes to show furry friends some love until they find their forever home.

For those feeling young at heart, fostering may be the answer. Not only will it give seniors an outlet to channel their energy toward something meaningful, but they’ll also find themselves part of a loving community. It can certainly require some extra effort, yet fostering offers satisfying returns.

Bottle babies are adorable, but these puppies and kittens that are still nursing come with a lot of responsibility. However, if you're retired and looking for something to fill your days, fostering one of these sweet little fur babies might be the perfect fit. Not only will providing regular feedings allow them to thrive, but it could also bring joy and purpose into a senior’s life. 

Fostering can be a great way for your family to find their perfect pet companion. You get to meet and bond with different animals until you fall in love, and then, when the time is right, you can make that special connection official by adopting them.

If you have an older adult in your life who could use some extra companionship, consider getting them a furry friend. Just be sure to check with them first; it's important they feel comfortable and ready for the responsibility. Plus, finding the perfect pet can take time. It's worth the effort, though. Unconditional love awaits when you open your heart (and home) to a new four-legged family member. 

Contributed to The 55+ Society

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Published 10.15.21