Caring for a furry friend can bring a wealth of physical and emotional benefits to older adults, but the financial strain of pet ownership is a growing concern, according to a new study from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging. What this really means is that while pets can be a valuable source of companionship and wellness for aging individuals, the costs associated with their care may put them out of reach for many who could benefit the most.
Pets Linked to Better Health and Wellbeing
The poll, which surveyed a national sample of adults aged 50 and older, found that a majority (57%) of respondents currently have a pet. And for those who do, the benefits are clear - 83% said their pet gives them a "sense of purpose", up from 73% in a similar 2018 survey. Additionally, 70% of pet owners reported that their animal companion helps them connect with others, a crucial factor in combating the epidemic of loneliness among the elderly.
The data also suggests pets can have a positive impact on physical health, with two-thirds of all owners and 78% of dog owners saying their pet helps them stay active. For those in fair or poor health, pets appear to offer even greater benefits, with over 70% saying their animal helps them cope with physical or emotional symptoms.
Financial Burden a Growing Concern
The bigger picture here is that while pets can be a boon for older adults' wellbeing, the financial realities of pet ownership are making it increasingly difficult for some to enjoy those advantages. The poll found that 31% of pet owners aged 50-80 reported that having a pet puts a strain on their budget - up from just 18% in 2018.
And the costs are deterring many older adults from getting a pet in the first place, with one-third of respondents without an animal citing the expense as the main reason. As the Deseret News noted, this represents a significant increase from 21% who gave cost as the primary barrier in the previous survey.
As Cathleen Connell, a professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, explains, "Helping older adults find low-cost ways to support pet ownership while not sacrificing other important relationships and priorities is an investment in overall mental and physical health." The challenge will be finding solutions that make the proven benefits of pet companionship accessible to all who could gain from it.