Seniors can be affected by the loss of a pet more than we realize.
A pet may be the only family an older person has, and when the pet dies, there is no family left. Sometimes they have experienced so much loss at this stage in their lives – spouse, siblings and friends that they might appear more stoic than they really are.
This pet has given them a sense of purpose, the senior might have been motivated to take better care of themselves out of a sense of responsibility for the pet. The pet would have alleviated loneliness and made them feel useful.
Seniors also worry that their pet might outlive them, so if you know a senior with a pet, try to have a gentle conversation with them to see if there are friends or family who can care for their pet in an emergency.