http://goo.gl/b03GdI
Pets not only provide companionship, they can boost health in other ways, such as emotional support and increased physical activity.
However, older people face many hurdles to pet ownership: they may be worried about the cost, and whether they are physically fit enough to take care of and feed a pet. They may also worry about what might happen to their beloved companion should they become ill or die.
In their paper, to illustrate some of these barriers to pet ownership by older people, the researchers tell the story of Janet, a 75-year-old widow who is obese, has diabetes and suffers from arthritis.
Janet, who lives independently, describes herself as a cat lover. She has had many pet cats in the past and would like to have one now.