Study: Pets Boost Health and Curb Loneliness for Older Adults Aging Alone
Evanston – September 30, 2026 -- A new Mather Institute study finds that older adults who age alone and own pets report significant boosts to physical activity, emotional wellbeing and social connection, with dog owners showing the strongest gains.
The online survey of 900 solo agers aged 55 and older found that 76% reported improved emotional wellbeing, 62% reported reduced stress and 45% reported increased physical activity. Nearly half said pets help reduce loneliness, and a third said pets led to more social interactions through daily walks and outdoor time.
Dog owners show the biggest activity gains among solo agers
Dog owners reported physical activity levels 42% higher than pet-free adults, the study found. Cat owners also described frequent short bursts of movement tied to feeding, play and household routines. Solo agers without pets recorded the lowest weekly activity levels of any group surveyed.