Does owning a pet protect older people against loneliness?

This longitudinal study explored whether owning a pet protects older adults from loneliness or is a response to it, using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Results showed pet ownership was more common among women who experienced consistent loneliness, suggesting pets might be acquired as a response to loneliness rather than a preventive measure. For some, pets offered companionship and a path out of loneliness. However, no significant protective effects were found in men, indicating a gender-specific dynamic.

If you’re experiencing loneliness, adopting a pet could offer emotional companionship and alleviate isolation, especially for women. However, as this study shows no definitive protection from loneliness and is observational, lifestyle changes like improving human social networks should also be prioritized.