The Role of Spiritual and Religious Practices, Pet Ownership, and Contemplative Practices in Successful Aging: A Literature Review

Spiritual and religious practices, companion animal relationships, and contemplative practices support core aspects of successful aging, including emotional well-being, reduced loneliness, enhanced coping, and greater life meaning. It remains unclear whether these influences act synergistically or independently, and how they shape older adults' experiences of aging and adaptation to decline. Incorporating these elements may enhance holistic models of successful aging by supporting emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background: Accelerating global population aging underscores the need to identify multidimensional determinants of successful aging. This review synthesizes evidence on social, spiritual, and religious factors that shape well-being, and quality of life in later adulthood. Successful aging is conceptualized as adaptation to age-related challenges through internal and external resources. Emerging research suggests that pet ownership and companion animals promote meaning, purpose, and social connectedness, while spiritual, religious, and contemplative practices support coping, psychological stability, and foster life satisfaction in older adults. Methods: This review of the literature examines the intersection of spirituality, religious practice, meditation, life purpose, and pet ownership as mediating and reinforcing influences on successful aging. This review focused on evidence linking prayer, meditation, chanting, and spiritual and religious participation to psychological, cognitive, and physiological outcomes, as well as literature exploring human-animal relationships in later life. Results: Findings indicate that spiritual and religious practices, companion animal relationships, and contemplative practices support core aspects of successful aging, including emotional well-being, reduced loneliness, enhanced coping, and greater life meaning. Yet, it remains unclear whether these influences act synergistically or independently, and how they shape older adults’ experiences of aging and adaptation to decline. Conclusions: Incorporating spiritual, religious, and contemplative practices alongside companion animals may enhance holistic models of successful aging by supporting emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. Future research should explore multidimensional mechanisms to inform interventions that improve quality of life in later adulthood.