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.
Age shapes which pet delivers the biggest emotional benefit
Dog owners aged 55 to 64 reported fewer symptoms of depression and better overall wellbeing than cat owners in the same age range. Among those 75 and older, the pattern reversed, with cat owners reporting lower levels of depressive symptoms than their dog-owning peers.
The findings come as solo aging grows more common. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 27% of women and 21% of men aged 65 to 74 live alone, rising to 43% and 24%, respectively, for those 75 and older. The CDC links loneliness to higher risks of heart disease, depression, anxiety, dementia and earlier death.
Mather Institute points to structure, purpose and daily movement
Jennifer Smith, vice president of Mather Institute, said healthspan depends on more than medical care alone. She noted that social connection, purpose and physical activity all factor into aging well, and that pets can support each of those areas -- even a 10-minute dog walk can create chances to move and connect with neighbors.
BrendaLea Abbott, 66, a participant in Mather's community programs, said her two pets keep her from feeling alone and get her outside to interact with neighbors and other pet owners she meets while buying food and supplies.
Report flags financial and caregiving hurdles for older pet owners
The study also identified challenges including financial stress, time commitment and worries about backup care. Mather Institute recommends designating trusted caregivers or shelters for emergency pet care, choosing pets suited to an owner's energy level and health, and seeking volunteer programs that help with walks or vet visits.
Chicago residents 55 and older can access Mather's free PAW Packs program, which delivers monthly pet food to their doorstep. Since August 2025, the program has donated more than 102,000 pounds of pet food to 1,600 older adult pet owners at no cost.