What percentage of adults aged 50 and older report having at least one pet?
Understanding the prevalence of pet ownership in this demographic helps families gauge how common companion animals are among older adults. The data comes from a major national poll on healthy aging.
✓ Accepted answer
55% of adults aged 50 and older report having at least one pet, according to the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging.
- Prevalence is high: The majority of older Americans already share their homes with companion animals, indicating that pet ownership is a standard part of healthy aging for many.
- Sense of purpose: An overwhelming 83% of pet-owning older adults state that their animal gives them a distinct sense of purpose, which helps counteract feelings of post-retirement drift.
- Emotional well-being: 71% of respondents say their pet helps them enjoy life more, while 64% report feeling more loved because of their companion animal.
- Common species: Dogs and cats remain the most common companion animals in this demographic, offering different benefits from active walks to quiet companionship.
- Social connection: Interaction with pets can help reduce social isolation, with data suggesting that 85% of people agree pet interaction helps reduce loneliness, fostering social cohesion within communities.
Warning sign: If your pet stops eating, shows signs of injury, or begins acting aggressively toward you or other family members, contact a veterinarian immediately. Sudden changes in a pet's health can also stress the owner, so ensure you have a backup caregiver plan in place.
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