The bond between older adults, pets is a lifeline that needs extra support

Tami Bohannon

Submitted photo/Jaron Quach

Leanna Taylor

Submitted photo

• 
• 

The time is now for service providers to recognize the key role that animals play in older adults’ lives, and to address some of the barriers these pet owners face in caring for their animals. Outreach and intervention, especially for those adults who may not have a safety net, can not only reduce the risk of homelessness or eviction, but ensure all Arizonans have the opportunity to age in place safely and confidently.”

“They’re the reason to get up in the morning … they are my entire life when there’s not others around.” 

These heartfelt words, shared by one of 85 seniors recently interviewed as part of an evaluation project commissioned by The Arizona Pet Project and AllThrive 365 (formerly FSL), reveal just how deeply connected older adults are to their pets. Supported by Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, the project is focused on improving barriers faced by adults aged 55 and older living in housing communities offering affordable rents, owned and operated by AllThrive 365.

 The results confirmed what many of us already know — pets offer much more than companionship — they provide purpose, routine and unconditional love. In fact, 84% of participants said their pet brings them companionship, while nearly half shared that their animal keeps them active and busy.

The data also brings to light some unique challenges pet owners face as they age. For instance, 33% of respondents talked about financial hardship or burden because of their animal, 24% said it’s physically challenging taking care of a pet and 20% are worried about what will happen to their animal when they die. 

Together, our organizations work on the front lines of these issues every day, supporting low-income families and those in crisis with pets, and helping Arizonans age with confidence. These shared missions are uniquely positioned to identify existing gaps in services and support for aging pet owners.

Caring for an animal requires time, energy, and at least some level of financial investment regardless of age. However, the data reinforces that older adults may struggle more with things like paying for animal care, finding transportation for animal care or physically taking care of their pet. Couple those challenges with the number of older adults who lack a support system and are living on Social Security, and the potential risk of homelessness or eviction rises. 

Arizona has one of the highest percentages of senior populations in the U.S. and we’re aging faster than many parts of the country. More than 1 million of our state’s residents are over the age of 60 and by 2030, 1 in 4 Arizonans is expected to be over the age of 60.

The time is now for service providers to recognize the key role that animals play in older adults’ lives, and to address some of the barriers these pet owners face in caring for their animals. Outreach and intervention, especially for those adults who may not have a safety net, can not only reduce the risk of homelessness or eviction, but ensure all Arizonans have the opportunity to age in place safely and confidently. 

With 70% surveyed saying they hardly ever felt isolated in the past year thanks to their pet, and another 50% reporting their animal keeps them active/busy, it seems more should be done to keep older adults engaged with pets.

Research shows the other benefits include lower rates of depression, loneliness, obesity and slower progression of memory issues related to dementia or Alzheimer’s and lower rates of heart-related diseases and complications with diabetes.  

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, AHCCCS, recognizes pets as playing a meaningful role in Social Determinants of Health and Elements of a Healthy Community. A study by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, HABRI, also measured the financial impacts of pet ownership on the Medicaid industry and determined it saves the system over $1.2 billion annually. 

So, what now?

We believe the solution starts with collaboration. AllThrive 365 and The Arizona Pet Project are exploring innovative partnerships to provide wraparound services for older adults and their pets — such as mobile veterinary clinics, pet food assistance, and end-of-life planning support.

But we can’t do it alone. We need policymakers, service providers, donors and community members to join us in recognizing that keeping people and pets together isn’t just compassionate — it’s essential.

In the words of one resident, “My dog is my family.” For so many seniors, that bond is life-sustaining. And with the right support, we can make sure no one has to choose between keeping their pet and staying housed.

Editor’s note: Tami Bohannon is CEO of AllThrive 365, a Phoenix nonprofit that supports adults as they age, and Leanna Taylor is CEO of Arizona Pet Project, a Phoenix nonprofit that helps families keep their pets. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.