If you are an older individual who is experiencing loneliness and isolation, pet ownership might just be the best, non-pharmacological way to enhance your quality of life and even increase your longevity. That’s right, while experts have known for years that owning and taking care of a pet, a dog or cat in particular, can be beneficial for a variety of reasons -- not the least of which is getting to enjoy their mischievous antics, innocence, unwavering love and boop-able noses --science has caught up and is offering proof that this is in fact the case. In other words, there is scientific proof that owning a pet improves cardiovascular health and has other mental and physical benefits.

Reduces Isolation

Having the presence of a pet in your home can instantly reduce the feelings of isolation and loneliness you might be experiencing. At this stage of life, it is common to feel some form of isolation and loneliness. It has been shown that feeling lonely or isolated directly correlates to poor mental health, totaling about 77% of cases. Welcoming a pet into your home can be a way to reduce not only loneliness and isolation, which is immensely common, but also improve your mental health, happiness, and feelings of well-being. 

This makes sense when you consider the joy that pets bring to a home and the way that simply having a purpose can brighten a day. In other words, having a job to do, in this case, taking care of your pet, can actually make you feel better, less isolated, and give you a sense of purpose: a reason to get out of bed in the morning. Being alone doesn’t mean you have to stay lonely. Instead, pet ownership is built-in companionship from a being that will love you unconditionally, unlike any human you might have known throughout your life. 

Creates a Routine

Another way that pet ownership can boost loneliness and improve health is by creating a routine. Pets are very much creatures of habit. They enjoy eating at the same time daily, taking walks, playing or other activities, all within a similar time block. They depend on this schedule. Consequently, when you have a pet to care for, you will fall into a routine as well. Again, this gives you purpose and a schedule, perhaps for the first time since you were working full-time. This will create a healthier way of living simply by having consistency. 

Increases Physical Activity

Even if you have a laid back or older pet, your physical activity will increase as part of pet ownership. When your doctor comes for an in-home visit, you can confidently share how much your daily movement has increased thanks to caring for your pet. This increased physical activity can have many noteworthy health benefits, such as lowering your blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar; helping you maintain a healthy weight, a process that gets harder with age; strengthening your joints and bones; and improving your cardiovascular health. 

Increased Social Contact

Pets create a natural go-between, bringing people together. Whether it's taking your dog for a walk, visiting a dog park, or enrolling your pet in a class, having a pet in your life will contribute to increased social interaction in many cases. This is true even if you only take your dog to the vet when needed and don’t do any of the other stated activities. Also, pets make everyone more approachable. So, when you are out and about with your pet, you will notice people are more eager to approach you and more interested in conversation, even if it does revolve mostly around your furry companion. 

Pet Ownership Promotes Emotional Well-Being

While it is difficult to quantify happiness or joy, it is certain that pets bring about these qualities in their owners. If you are struggling with your own emotional state and desire to find joy in life, pet ownership can be a great solution. Loving them will give you so much joy, as will simply watching them play, roll around, or investigate the leaf blowing across the driveway. The love a pet gives is unconditional and constant. However, everyone who has ever loved a pet knows exactly what it feels like and understands the immense joy these furry companions bring and how they enhance life in virtually every aspect.

Author bio: Dr. James C. “Jimmie” Williamson is Chief Behavioral Health Officer for Your Health, a physician group that delivers primary and specialty care to seniors in South Carolina and Georgia. Dr. Williamson has an extensive career in higher education and economic development, including leadership roles as President of both the North Carolina Community College System and the South Carolina Technical College System. He played a key role in forging university transfer pathways and attracting major employers such as Volvo Cars and Mercedes to South Carolina. A published author and dedicated community leader, Dr. Williamson holds multiple advanced degrees, serves on numerous boards, and has been honored with several awards for professional achievement and civic contributions.