[dawhizkid]

Is a decent solution to encourage pet ownership (dog or cat) among the single elderly? Not only can they help alleviate feelings of loneliness while you're alive but they could theoretically be trained to get help if you fall or if you eventually pass away.

[olympus]

Considering the few other comments about pets eating their dead owners, this plan about getting help if you die needs a bit of thought. Would you train your pet to use the phone? Could it leave your house whenever it wanted? How will you train it to get help? By playing dead a lot?

I'm in favor of pets as companionship, but an emergency button around your neck seems like a better way to get help with the exception of dieing in your sleep.

[grkvlt]

Good idea. This way, even if you die alone, you can know that you will still be providing a useful service to your pet even after you are gone, as food for it!