I don't want to hijack le_59 's post, which was starting to go along this line of thinking. But it got me thinking about how much a pet means to an elderly person, and I know sometimes the pet is their best friend.
I was in the Vet's office on Friday when the door to the waiting room opened, and a lady using a walker opened the door and somehow was trying to get her cat in a crate inside. I immediately got up and offered help. My back is not good, but better me than her. The crate was heavy, and she said she didn't realize how heavy it was when she bought it. I don't know how she made it from her car to the office door when I noticed her, never mind from her home to the car. She said she called the office and asked whether someone could help her, and of course there usually is...they were shorthanded that day. I think she thought someone would be looking out for her arrival...
I wish I had thought to offer my assistance in getting her cat to the Vet when needed...