While there are certainly physical health benefits to welcoming a furry friend into your home, (such as reducing a person's risk of cardiovascular disease) there are also emotional ones that are equally important in ensuing someone lives a happy, healthy life.
Studies have shown that owning a pet can combat feelings of loneliness, as well as reduce anxiety and depression, since animals are typically more than willing to provide unconditional love, affection, and companionship.
But for individuals like senior citizens, who could certainly use such a companion in their lives, owning a pet can prove to be too much of a financial and personal commitment, no matter what their extraordinary benefits may be.