It’s assumed pets and older people are a perfect match, given how beneficial they are for our wellbeing and anxiety. However, the latest Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey found just 11 per cent of Australian pet owners are aged 65 and over.

Dr. Janette Young from the University of South Australia has researched the positive health effects of pet ownership, and says older people’s biggest fear is what happens to their animal if something happens to them.

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