The older we get, the more important it is to stay active, see our doctor regularly, and keep stress to a minimum. Healthy lifestyle habits—like exercising and eating the right foods—can go a long way in helping us stay independent and prevent disease. What’s another (decidedly more fun) way to age well? Owning a pet.

Sure, pets bring us joy, comfort, and laughter. They’re pretty easy on the eyes, too. But interacting with companion animals can also do wonders for our physical well-being. Let’s take a look at how.

What are the physical benefits of having a pet as we age?

1. Increased physical activity. Pets—especially an active one like a dog—give us a reason to move our body every day. Most dogs need daily walks, which get us outside into the fresh air and give our heart and joints a workout. The consistency of walking a pet can provide our cardiovascular health and overall fitness a serious boost. Regular exercise also helps improve our sleep and mood.

The physical benefits of pets are well-documented by researchers. Consider this:

• In a 2024 survey of at-home workers conducted by Nationwide® and Material Holdings, 54% of pet owners said their pet helps them get outside more during working hours, and 53% said their pet makes them feel more active during working hours.¹
• According to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), roughly 60% of dog walkers met the criteria for regular moderate and/or vigorous physical activity compared to 45% for non-dog owners and dog owners who did not walk their dog.²
• In another study, dog owners were 34% more likely to walk at least 150 minutes per week compared to non-dog owners.³  

You don’t even need to walk your pet daily to reap the physical rewards. Light play (like tossing a frisbee in the backyard), feeding, grooming, and cleaning up after a pet keeps us physically engaged in a low-pressure way. The daily activities involved with caring for a fur-friend support our mobility and help reduce the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle—such as obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis.

2. Improved heart health. Owning a pet, or more specifically a dog, has been linked with a reduction in cardiovascular disease risk factors. The American Heart Association (AHA) recognizes the connection between pet ownership and good heart health; in fact, they’ve devoted an entire section of their website to exploring all the ways pets enrich our health.

Other heart-health facts related to our four-legged friends:

• Two studies linked dog ownership to a 21% reduction in the risk of death for people with heart disease over a 12-year period.^{4, 5}
• Interaction with companion animals has been shown to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are identified by the AHA as risk factors for heart disease.
• A study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science found that horseback riding is an effective form of exercise that can have a positive impact on health.⁶
• A study of 2,400 cat owners found that their risk for cardiovascular death, including stroke and heart attack, was significantly lower.⁷
• In another study, dog owners who had previous cardiac events had a 65% reduced risk of death compared to non-dog owners with previous cardiac events.⁸

3. Stress reduction. Stress puts our body in "fight or flight" mode, and too much of it can be harmful to our health. Insomnia, headaches, a weakened immune system, and high blood pressure are just some of the negative physical impacts of stress. Chronic tension can also cause inflammation that contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries, leading to heart disease.

Good news for pet owners, however: Pets have a calming effect that can help us keep stress at bay. Just petting a dog, for instance, triggers a burst of the feel-good hormone oxytocin, while simultaneously lowering the stress hormone cortisol. In an AHA survey, 95% of pet owners said they rely on their animal for stress relief.⁹

3.  Enhanced mobility and balance. Caring for pets encourages us to stay active and avoid long periods of sitting. Whether it’s walking our dog around the block, bending down to refill a food bowl, or playing a game of fetch in the park, these activities involve consistent movement that helps improve our balance, coordination, and flexibility; enhance our mobility; and lower the risk of falls.

4. Reduced loneliness. Loneliness can be as harmful to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day—and it disproportionately affects older adults. Fortunately, the constant companionship pets provide can help combat social isolation and loneliness and give us a strong sense of purpose. 

"Having a pet like a cat or dog to care for and connect with each day can be incredibly meaningful, especially for older adults living alone," said Dr. Emily Tincher, Chief Veterinary Officer at Nationwide. "Pets offer companionship, a sense of purpose, and unconditional love. They help combat loneliness by providing consistent interaction, encouraging routines, and even sparking opportunities for social engagement—whether it’s meeting other pet owners or simply sharing heartwarming moments together."

A pet can help us forge stronger social connections, too. Our animal friends give us a great reason to talk to others—whether it’s during neighborhood walks, visits to the vet, or trips to the local pet store. They’re excellent ice breakers, making it easier to meet new people and bond over shared experiences. What’s more, pets can ease social anxiety by providing comfort and a sense of belonging in social situations, helping us feel more confident and connected to the world around us.

A survey of pet parents by HABRI and Mars Petcare found that:

• 80% of pet owners feel less lonely due to their pets.
• 85% of respondents believe interacting with pets can reduce loneliness.
• 54% of respondents said their pets help them connect with others in the community.¹⁰

What are the considerations of owning a pet?

While there are clear health benefits to owning a pet, it’s important to choose one that’s well-matched to your physical capabilities and lifestyle. For example, if you have limited mobility, a lower-maintenance pet like a cat, bird, or fish might be a better fit than a high-energy dog.

Additionally, the privilege of owning a pet comes with certain responsibilities, including veterinary care. There are routine health care needs to consider, as well as the costs associated with an unexpected illness or accident. These costs can add up quickly. A recent study found nearly 28% of pet households had barriers to veterinary care, with finances topping the list of reasons.¹¹

That’s where pet insurance can be invaluable. This type of insurance helps cover unexpected veterinary costs, making it easier to give your cherished companion the quality care they deserve. Some key benefits include:

• Pet insurance may cover some or most of your vet bills, depending on the plan.
• You can worry less about surprise medical issues, ensuring your furry sidekick receives timely care without the stress of a hefty bill.
• Pet insurance can also help cover the costs of managing your pet’s chronic conditions, like skin allergies or heart disease.

Is pet insurance worth it? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for covering veterinary expenses. When you’re looking at different plans, be sure to explore factors like monthly premiums, coverage limits, and deductibles. With a bit of research, you’re likely to find an affordable pet insurance option that fits your fur-pal’s needs and gives you added peace of mind as a pet parent.

Sources

1. Nationwide. Nationwide and Material Holdings Research Study (2024).

2. Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). Healthy Aging - Cardiovascular Health. Found on the internet at https://habri.org/research/healthy-aging/cardiovascular-health/

3. Mathew J. Reeves et al. The Impact of Dog Walking on Leisure-Time Physical Activity: Results From a Population-Based Survey of Michigan Adults. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. March 2011. Found on the internet at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51045798_The_Impact_of_Dog_Walking_on_Leisure-Time_Physical_Activity_Results_From_a_Population-Based_Survey_of_Michigan_Adults

4. Caroline K. Kramer, MD, PhD et. al., Dog Ownership and Survival: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. October 8, 2019. Found on the internet at https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.119.005554

5. Mwenya Mubanga, MD, PhD et. al. Dog Ownership and Survival After a Major Cardiovascular Event: A Register-Based Prospective Study. Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. October 8, 2019. Found on the internet at https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.118.005342

6. Colleen O'Reilly et. Al., Rider Energy Expenditure During High Intensity Horse Activity. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. April 8, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0737080621000939

7. Adnan I Qureshi, MD, et al. Cat ownership and the Risk of Fatal Cardiovascular Diseases. Results from the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Study Mortality Follow-up Study. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology. January 2009. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3317329/

8. American Heart Association. 16 Science-Backed Reasons Adopting a Dog Could Be Good for Your Heart. Found on the internet at https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-bond-for-life-pets/pet-owners/a-dog-could-be-good-for-your-heart

9. American Heart Association. New survey: 95% of pet parents rely on their pet for stress relief. June 20, 2022. Found on the internet at: https://newsroom.heart.org/news/new-survey-95-of-pet-parents-rely-on-their-pet-for-stress-relief

10. Human Animal Bond Institute. New Report on Addressing the Loneliness Crisis through the Power of Pets. February 20, 2020. Found on the internet at https://habri.org/pressroom/20200220

11. Maddie's Fund/The University of Tennessee Knoxville. Access to Veterinary Care: Barriers, Current Practices, and Public Policy. December 17, 2018. Found on the internet at https://www.maddiesfund.org/access-to-veterinary-care-barriers-best-practices-and-public-policy.htm