Healthy ageing isn’t just a matter of having productive visits with your doctor—it’s also about feeling connected. A well-rounded lifestyle and regular medical checkups are important, of course, but genuine connection is often an overlooked piece in the healthy ageing puzzle.
According to researchers of various Blue Zones around the world, community and connection are key ingredients to longevity as we age.
But socialising can be more difficult for some than for others. Health conditions, location, and numerous other factors can stunt our efforts to build flourishing social lives with other people.
Here’s some good news, though: furry friends can diminish feelings of loneliness and disconnection, too. From dogs and cats to birds, rabbits, and even fish, companion animals can offer profound health benefits, including for older adults looking to regain a sense of connection.
What is healthy ageing?
Healthy ageing means living well as we grow older.
It’s more than just avoiding illness and injury: ageing in a ‘healthy’ way empowers us to remain active, connected, and capable of doing the things we value. Our physical strength, mental clarity, emotional wellbeing, and ability to adapt to changes in our bodies and lives are all part of the larger equation.
Importantly, healthy ageing does not require perfection. Preserving the ability to make choices, staying engaged in our communities, and enjoying a good quality of life—even in the face of health challenges—are reliable signposts on the roadmap, but there’s no exact template we can follow to age healthily.
Indeed, living well late into life can look different from one person to the next. And for some older people, the health benefits of pets have become integral to the healthy ageing process.
Health benefits of pets: How do pets contribute to healthy ageing?
Reducing Loneliness through Companionship
Loneliness is a growing epidemic among older adults, with studies showing that social isolation can be as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Pets offer unconditional love and a constant presence, helping to fill emotional voids left by the loss of loved ones, retirement, or children moving away.
Companion care is an increasingly popular support service in the aged care sector, but daily interaction and emotional connection with a pet can also ease feelings of isolation and provide a sense of purpose. A dog’s tail wag or a cat curling up on your lap can be deeply comforting and foster a consistent sense of being needed and loved.
Encouraging Physical Activity
Movement is another health benefit of pets: it’s one of the biggest contributors to healthy ageing, and pet ownership (especially of dogs) naturally encourages physical activity. Walking a dog, even for 15 to 30 minutes a day, can improve cardiovascular health, support mobility, and increase time spent outdoors, which can positively affect Vitamin D levels and mood.
For older adults who might otherwise be sedentary, having a dog is a compelling reason to get outside, move around, and engage with the environment. These activities help maintain joint flexibility, muscle tone, and balance, which are all key factors in preventing falls and ultimately maintaining independence.
Enhancing Mental and Emotional Health
Pets can have a therapeutic effect on mood and cognitive function down to a chemical level. The presence of a beloved animal reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) and increases oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine—the chemicals associated with bonding, relaxation, and happiness.
Research has also shown that interactions with animals can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and even cognitive decline. An increasing number of seniors in Australia are choosing to age in place, and for those folks, pets truly can provide emotional stability and joy on a day-to-day basis.
Establishing a Routine and Sense of Purpose
As we age, our days can become less structured, particularly after retirement or the loss of a partner. Caring for a pet, though, can help us re-establish a healthy routine: feeding times, grooming, walks, and vet visits all provide gentle structure to the day. Such predictability not only anchors each day but reinforces a sense of responsibility and value.
For seniors, the recognition that an animal relies on them for care can be a reason to get up each day with intention. This sense of purpose has been strongly linked to improved mental health, resilience, and even longevity, which makes it a sneaky but important health benefit of pets.
Boosting Social Connection Outside the Home
Pets are natural social catalysts.
Dog owners often find themselves chatting with other pet owners at the park, on walks, or during pet-related errands. These casual interactions may seem small, but over time, they can help build community and reduce feelings of disconnection.
In aged care homes or retirement villages, communal pet care and animal visits often become shared experiences that foster bonding and conversation among residents. Even sharing pet photos online or joining pet-related groups can spark new friendships and keep older adults engaged in broader social networks.
Supporting People with Chronic Conditions
Chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes are common in older adults. Pets are certainly not a replacement for medical care, but their presence can support the overall management of these conditions. Stress relief from pet companionship can positively influence blood pressure and heart rate, not to mention the physical activity encouraged by pet care can help with weight management and insulin sensitivity.
Some trained service dogs can even support individuals with specific medical needs, alerting them to blood sugar drops and helping with mobility tasks. In those situations, pets aren’t just great companions—they can also help older people achieve greater independence and peace of mind.
Choosing the Right Pet for Healthy Ageing
There’s no doubt that pets can bring incredible benefits as we age. But choosing the right companion is key. For older adults, it’s important to find an animal that aligns with their lifestyle, energy levels, and physical needs. A high-energy dog might be overwhelming for someone with limited mobility, while a more low-maintenance pet like a cat, bird, or even fish could be just right.
Here’s a playful guide to help you and your loved ones find the perfect fit.
The Nurturer – Loves to nurture and thrives on routine and affection
Best match: Small dog (think Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Toy Poodle)
These affectionate little companions love attention and cuddles, and their daily care is perfect for someone seeking a strong sense of purpose.
The Independent Spirit – Values freedom and enjoys quiet companionship
Best match: Cat
Cats are low-maintenance and self-sufficient but still offer warm companionship. Ideal for those who appreciate connection on their own terms.
The Nature Lover – Finds joy outdoors and loves a good walk or garden sit
Best match: Labrador or rescue mix with gentle temperament
A calm, friendly dog who enjoys the outdoors can be the perfect motivation to stay active and grounded in nature.
The Homebody – Loves the quiet and enjoys cosy routines and gentle presence
Best match: Rabbit or guinea pig
Soft, soothing, and quiet, these animals are great for indoor companionship and offer calming energy for those who prefer peaceful living.
The Social Butterfly – Loves a chat and misses conversation and connection
Best match: Bird (think budgie, cockatiel, or parrot)
Birds can be wonderfully interactive, vocal, and responsive. They’re great for people who find comfort in sound and enjoy forming bonds through chatter.
The Steady Companion – May have mobility or energy limitations but wants connection
Best match: Senior cat or older small dog
Older pets are often overlooked at shelters but make wonderful companions. They’re usually calm, already trained, and happy to relax by your side.
The Curious – Loves a project, always learning, appreciates daily rituals
Best match: Fish tank or small aquarium
Caring for fish can be a soothing hobby—one that combines structure, beauty, and quiet observation. Perfect for curious minds and calm environments.
Where to Find the Right Pet
Various organisations across Australia support older adults in finding and caring for pets. These initiatives can make it easier to access the companionship and benefits of pets on the journey to healthy ageing. We’ve listed a few suggestions below, but be sure to search your area for local organisations near you.
- Seniors for Seniors – RSPCA NSW: This is a unique initiative in the way that it pairs older adults with senior pets—almost like a pet match-making service! Participants receive adoption discounts and access to the Home Ever After program, which provides future care plans for pets.
- Golden Hearts – Animal Welfare League QLD (AWLQ): Tailored for Queensland residents aged 65 and above, this program offers subsidised veterinary care and emergency foster options, ensuring seniors have the support they need to care for their pets.
- Pets of Older Persons WA (POOPS): Operating in the Greater Perth Metro area and Busselton, POOPS is a volunteer-run charity that provides free pet care services. Those services include dog walking and transport to elderly or disabled pet owners, helping them maintain their bond with their pets for as long as possible.
- Purrpetuall Pet Services: Based in South Australia, this service assists elderly individuals in caring for their pets by offering in-home care, pet transportation, and rehoming services, ensuring pets remain with their owners or are cared for appropriately.
A Loving Partnership for Healthy Ageing
Pets can play a critical role in healthy ageing, and that isn’t just a sentimental idea—it’s increasingly backed by science. The health benefits of pets can range far and wide, from companionship and joy to movement, social connection, and emotional grounding.
Pets can make older adults feel seen, needed and loved. And in a world that often overlooks the elderly, pets do the opposite: they offer unrestrained loyalty and warmth, day after day.
As our communities seek more holistic ways to support older generations, it may be time to consider wagging tails and gentle purrs not just as gratuitous pleasures, but as indispensable parts of a comprehensive approach to joyful, healthy ageing.
