by Cynthia Wall

Created on: November 14, 2008   Last Updated: February 12, 2011

Nothing is worse than being lonely. And it seems that old age is when that fate befalls both humans and animals. Humans because their friends die off and their remaining family members may be too "busy" or unable to see them very often. Animals because they may be given up when an owner dies or becomes incapacitated. For animals, winding up in a shelter at an older age may be a preface to death unless animal shelters and animal welfare groups like The Delta Society in the U.S. and The Cinnamon Trust in the U.K. lend a helping hand.

The benefits of pet ownership for the elderly are numerous. Studies have shown that elderly pet owners have less depression, lower blood pressure, and quicker recovery times from surgery. Dog owners especially, who have to get out and walk their pet, are in better physical shape. Pet owners have a sense of purpose; nothing is more motivating that a creature needing care. In return, pets give their owners unconditional love and valuable companionship.

Just being elderly doesn't preclude either human or animal from continuing to live useful lives. Just down the street from us, an elderly collie service dog was placed with an older couple. The dog is losing her hearing so had to be retired, but now she's happily sharing space with two people and two other dogs. One amusing note is that apparently she was trained to turn off light switches and to open doors. She does both continually, but that only makes her more dear.

The trick is getting the humans and animals in need together. Our local humane society, as do many, charge much less for an elderly animal than a puppy or kitten. They also have senior citizen rates put the two together and the adoption fee is quite a bargain. Housing managers can also do their part in promoting pet ownership among the elderly. Until recently most assisted living facilities had a 'no pets' policy. Now, thanks to the many studies in nursing homes showing the health and emotional benefits of pet visitors, more and more places are allowing pets in ground floor units or in separate cottages. Sometimes people need a little assistance in having a pet, whether it is in carrying heavy bags of pet food from the store, disposing of litter, or having transportation to and from a vet. By becoming involved with animal interest groups in your community, you can be a part of providing these services to those in need.

As with any pet ownership, common sense should be a part of the decision to place an elderly animal with

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