Best Low Maintenance Pets for Seniors

Aging comes with many challenges, including changes to your physical health, mental well-being, and social connections. Having a pet can help you manage these challenges. For example, one-third of older adults (aged 50–80) report feelings of isolation, but pet owners are 36% less likely to feel lonely than non-pet owners. 

Pets provide companionship, emotional support, and both physical and mental stimulation — making them a valuable addition to a senior's life. However, choosing the right pet depends on your unique needs, lifestyle, and living situation. 

Use our guide to learn about the best pets for seniors and the benefits they bring.  

Pet ownership provides seniors with many physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits. Research has shown that pets can improve a senior's quality of life by lowering stress levels, keeping them active, and giving them meaningful social connections.

Nearly half of all older adults report feeling stressed, which can lead to elevated blood pressure and heart problems. Pets can help remedy this, providing stress relief to 95% of pet parents, according to the American Heart Association. Simply petting, snuggling, or even just watching your pet can help reduce stress.

Seniors often feel cut off from loved ones, which contributes to loneliness and depression. Pets make their owners feel loved, something the overwhelming majority of older adult pet owners agree on. Feeling loved can improve mental health and quality of life, especially for seniors.  

Older adults often yearn for emotional connections. Pew Research Center reported that as of 2020, nearly a third of adults over 60 were living alone, and The University of Michigan found more than a third of adults aged 50-80 were lacking companionship. Pets can help fill this void by adding to your family and giving you a partner to socialize and experience new things with.

Pets (though perhaps not the fish), are excellent motivators for physical activity, something the vast majority of older adults need more of. About half of all pet owners report being more active because of their pets, whether it's through daily walks, playtime, or routine care.

Retirement and smaller social circles can leave seniors with a reduced sense of purpose. Pet ownership may help reverse this, with nearly three-quarters of pet owners reporting a renewed sense of responsibility and accomplishment. 

Seniors need to keep their minds engaged to combat natural cognitive decline. Pets provide mental stimulation through interactive play, problem-solving, and regular care. Some studies even suggest that pet ownership improves cognitive function in older adults.

Pets bring many benefits, but they also come with challenges and responsibilities. Before adopting a new pet, consider the following factors to ensure you get the right one for your needs.

 

• Responsibilities. Pets need regular feeding, grooming, and basic care. Some need regular walks, while others need a clean living space. 
• Expenses. Pet ownership comes with costs, including food and supplies. You also need to account for regular and unexpected medical expenses. 
• Lifespan. Some pets have long life expectancies and may outlive their owners. It's important to plan for their continued care in your will or trust.
• Housing. Not all living situations allow for pets. Some senior living communities have restrictions on pet types, breeds, and sizes.
• Benefits. Every pet offers different rewards. Some provide low-maintenance socialization, while others promote physical activity. Choose a pet that aligns with your lifestyle.

More than half of older adults (55%) own a pet — and for good reason. Pets offer companionship, emotional support, and health benefits. While cats and dogs are the most common, they aren't your only options. 

Here are some of the best pets for seniors, and also some low-maintenance pets.

More than two-thirds of senior pet owners have a dog, according to the National Poll on Healthy Aging. Dogs provide companionship, affection, and a sense of purpose, which can be especially beneficial for older adults. 

These energetic animals help their owners stay physically active, which is essential for seniors managing their weight and mobility. Studies also show that interacting with dogs boosts oxytocin levels, which can improve mental health. 

The best dogs for seniors depend on their specific needs. Many older adults do best with small to medium-sized dogs that have mild temperaments and moderate energy levels, such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Corgis, and Beagles. Those who prefer larger dogs might consider Greyhounds or Labrador Retrievers, which are gentle yet active.

Nearly half of senior pet owners have a cat, a misunderstood animal that offers companionship without a dog-sized commitment. Cats may not show affection in the same way as dogs, but they're not antisocial, and can provide significant health benefits. Studies have shown that simply petting a cat can reduce your blood pressure, and playing with them can improve your cognitive function.

Unlike dogs, cats don't need daily walks and are easily litter-trained. Their behavior and temperament are not as breed-specific either, but Ragdoll, European, and Siamese and Balinese cats are known for being friendly and mild mannered. Proper socialization with humans from a young age is important for a cat to develop healthy social behaviors.

Fish don't offer the playfulness or cuddliness of furry pets, but they can still offer companionship in their own way. While less than 3% of households have pet fish, these animals provide relaxation and mental stimulation with minimal maintenance. Just watching fish in an aquarium can reduce stress and anxiety. 

Because fish need little to no physical interaction or upkeep, they are ideal for seniors with limited mobility. Older adults who want more engaging fish-keeping responsibilities may find enjoyment in interactive breeds like betta, guppies, and tetras.

Only about 2% of American households own birds, but they can be great pets for seniors. Their cheerful personalities and daily singing can brighten up a home and decrease their owner's anxiety. While they don't typically enjoy being handled, birds are interactive and can provide companionship and social engagement for seniors.

It may be tempting to look into highly intelligent talking birds, like parrots or cockatoos, but they can be high maintenance, and can outlive their owners by decades. Smaller singing birds like budgies (parakeets) and canaries offer friendship with less work and noise.

Hamsters aren't as popular as other pets on this list, but they're among the easiest to care for. They are small, independent, and quiet. They usually only need fresh food, a clean cage, and semi-regular interaction. 

As nocturnal animals, hamsters sleep for much of the day, but they can nip if they're startled awake. While not as social as cats or dogs, hamsters can build a bond with their owners and may enjoy handling.v

Aside from the main pets mentioned above, several other animals can make great companions for seniors. Turtles and reptiles, for example, offer low-maintenance companionship and need only fresh food and a specialized habitat in return. Rabbits socialize with their owners and give them plenty of affection and entertainment, but they do need regular care.  

If you're thinking about adopting an alternative pet, consider factors like lifespan and housing requirements. Turtles, for example, can live for decades, while rabbits need a large living area and grooming. 

Owning a pet can provide seniors with companionship, mental stimulation, and physical benefits. Whether you live in independent living, assisted living, a memory care facility, or a nursing home, finding the right pet can bring you joy and improve your well-being. 

Before adopting, consider your mobility needs, your budget, and your living situation. Different pets and breeds have unique needs, but they also provide special rewards. Find the right match and you could gain a source of daily joy and comfort.

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