Source: Health Day
A new University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging finds that pets provide strong emotional benefits for older adults, but rising costs are creating financial strain. Among Americans age 50 and older who own pets, 83% say their animals give them a sense of purpose, up from 73% in 2018. Seventy percent report pets help them stay socially connected, an important factor in combating isolation.
However, 31% now say pet care costs strain their budgets, nearly double the 18% reported seven years ago. Cost is also a barrier for non-owners, with 33% citing expense as the main reason they do not have a pet. While emotional benefits appear to be growing, fewer owners (34%) say pets help manage physical or mental health symptoms compared to 60% in 2018. Experts encourage physicians to discuss pet ownership during checkups and to recognize the significant grief associated with pet loss.