I am 75, living alone since my wife of 42 years passed a little over 4 years ago. At that time, everyone told me, "you need a dog." I was wallowing in grief, but I made the effort and 1 month later, I had Emma, my little chi-weenie. I, too, am constantly strapped financially, I am a heart patient with a near fatal heart attack and a quintuple by-pass open-heart surgery in my recent past. I knew that it would probably be a horse race as to who would outlive who. HOWEVER, the love I have gotten from my precious furry daughter saved my life. The importance of what a loving dog can do for a senior can not be minimized!
Emma can be re-homed if necessary and, although I know she would miss me, she would live on. The opposite is not true. I would again find my self awash in grief. From my experiences, I have determined that there is no good excuse or reason (other than being on death's door) for denying yourself the love of a furry companion. Other than when I got her, Emma has not been to the vet once. The love you can return to your pet (particularly if he/she is a rescue, would enrich their life beyond measure, no matter the length of time.
It is just my opinion naturally, with kind regards,
-David-