Pets enrich lives of elderly

Pets with the right temperament can decrease feelings of isolation and delay cognitive decline

- Nameeta Nadkarni

It's easy to underestimate the quiet companionship of a pet until you've experienced it firsthand. For senior citizens, especially those adjusting to retirement or grappling with the absence of children who've moved away, pets offer a simple and profound form of connection. Small daily interactions with pets can help soothe loneliness, provide structure, and inspire a sense of purpose.

I've seen it happen in my own family. A few years ago, my parents had settled into a fairly predictable routine—retired, surrounded by books, neighborhood walks, and the occasional visitor. It was a peaceful life, but not particularly animated. Then came Catbury, a rescue cat with a knack for demanding attention at odd hours. She changed everything. My father, previously indifferent to animals, became the designated midnight feeder. My mother has found a feline companion for her morning yoga. They laugh more and have found in Catbury a shared focus. She's part of the family.