There’s nothing quite like the joy of coming home to a loyal companion.
A wagging tail or a gentle rub against your ankles never fails to brighten up your day. Companionship is especially important for seniors, and having a four-legged or winged companion has positive health benefits for older adults.
If you’re looking to get a new pet, consider one that matches your lifestyle, pace, finances and living situation. We’ve listed the best pets for seniors so you can choose the right forever friend for you.
Why Should Seniors Own A Pet?
Studies consistently show there are health benefits associated with caring for a cat, dog or other animal. Not only do pets reduce stress, spending time with animals does wonders for your well-being. Getting fresh air with your furry friend encourages you to take daily walks and establish a routine of exercising outdoors. Here are just a few benefits of owning a pet:
- Improves your fitness and keeps you physically active.
- Lowers your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
- Sparks new friendships and helps seniors form connections with other people.
- Gives you a renewed sense of purpose.
What Is The Best Pet For A Senior Citizen?
Dogs
Many people feel life is better with a dog. They give us unconditional love, companionship and constant entertainment. They greet us with an exuberant tail wag every day (no matter how many times you leave and come back). But these aren’t the only reasons why dogs are a fantastic pet option for seniors.
Dogs are excellent companions for older adults because they’re loyal, fun and provide good company. But did you know that some dogs are better suited for seniors than others? If you’ve ever wondered which dog breed would be best for you, check out our list of the best dogs for seniors.
Small dogs and older dogs are a perfect fit for seniors because they’re easy to handle, groom and walk. Most of them don’t require the miles of daily exercise that a larger breed or young puppy does.
Cats
From their ease of care to their quiet nature, there are plenty of reasons to love cats. For older adults, felines make an exceptional live-in friend. For those who live in an apartment or senior living community, cats make exceptional pets due to their small size and the fact that they don’t bark.
Cats make great pets for a couple of key reasons. They’re low-maintenance and cost less to care for. Cats are generally more affordable when compared to their canine counterparts because they require less food and fewer toys. They also require little care. After all, cats groom themselves and cleaning out litter boxes is easier than having to take walks late at night.
If you’re looking for an independent, easy-to-care-for pet to curl up in your lap at the end of a long day, a cat could be a perfect companion.
Fish
Fish make great pets for seniors who don’t have the time or space to devote to a higher-maintenance pet. While fish don’t need playtime, grooming, exercise or training, it’s important to note they aren’t 100% maintenance-free. Even if you have a filtration system set up in their aquarium, the tank will still need to be cleaned regularly.
For those looking for a pet that’s truly low-cost and low-maintenance, fish are wonderful pets, and aquarium keeping provides a fascinating hobby.
Birds
Birds, especially parakeets, can be great pets for seniors because they’re intelligent, cheerful indoor pets that are suited for people who love to stay at home. They’re chirpy, enthusiastic and great entertainment.
Many will sing to you, sometimes talk to you, and some may play with you, especially if you spend time together with a bird out of its cage.
If you have limited space or find yourself alone much of the time, a pet bird or a pair of them are sure to bring a happy energy to your home and just might be a good fit for you.
Marcia’s kitty, Muffin, may seem sweet, but she’s earned the nickname “Tyrant” because of her habit of throwing her toys in the air.
Our Pet-Friendly Community At StoryPoint
At StoryPoint, we understand the positive impact pets have on our resident’s lives. That’s why we asked our residents to share their pets with us! Check out their unique stories here.
We offer a pet-friendly community and encourage our residents to bring their pets to participate in group activities, walking throughout the courtyards and more. We also offer pet care services for residents seeking support.
For more information about our senior living communities, please contact us at 1-855-407-8679.
