Getting a dog is a good plan.

I live alone and do not know if I need a dog. I do know that when I look in the mirror I see my grandfather. LOL

You're 48! That's not old.. Log out and start socializing with people..

I think a lot of people are assholes and if you can't find someone to put up with your crap, you're gonna die alone. Cynical I know. But true.
I have a pension, but even so am a huge tightwad because while I just may die without a partner, I'll still have money and being old and homeless is a real fear.

Don't worry about things you have no control over! My late wife and I met on an online dating service in our late 60's. and had 11 good years together. That was 3 years ago. While a dog is a great companion it;s just not on par with human companionship! I am now 83 and realize that anything can happen so why worry and socialize, not easy in a pandemic but there are ladies out there your age and intellect. While I'm looking for a companion, I have a pen pal, neighbors and family. Get to know people ; humor is a great tool! You're not old enough to be somber!!!

A dog is a good idea, cats are nice but the symbiosis between people and dogs is legendary . Cats are good also especially if you have a rodent problem , but a pet is comforting

Dogs won't let you down.

The other day, I got new reading glasses. Scary sight in the mirror. Now I leave the glasses on the desk before going into the bathroom. I like my illusions intact!

I am 63, and will be 64 in January. Last week I was in my twenties, or so it feels. In some ways I am a sage and in other ways I seem to have learned nothing. My sense of humor has matured, but I still love to laugh. My default setting is "mostly happy." My body started betraying me with chronic illness before I was out of my teens, so I don't remember what it feels like to go for days without pain. I may be impoverished beyond the ability to survive in a few years, and I wish I had had the means to prepare for that better. One thing is certain, nobody will want to take care of me after I can't do for myself. I do not expect that.

Get a dog, sure. The need to walk it can provide a hedge against illness, help keep you in shape.
If "old age" is n+15, I won't be old until a week before I'm 93!
You are a "Life Coach," and I am a retired psychotherapist, who believes that living a life of authenticity is a key to well being, physically, and emotionally.

The ugly reality of getting older is that you become invisible. Or more invisible, in th case of many women.

Don't worry about old are. It'll catch up with you soon enough.

And a life too, btw; I'm 67, have a wife that is 51, live life to the fullest, whatever your formula is or your expectations are or may be, there is nothing somber about growing old. Perhaps you need yourself a life coach. Really?

I don't know who will find my corpse. I should probably get a dog. More needy than a cat, more enthusiastic, needs to be "walked" every day.

Welcome to the site.
Dogs are awesome! But responsibility as well... as any other living animal that you bond with.
The money situation is scary, specially as we age and our health starts asking for it too.
I think if you keep good habits and you are a happy person, someone will cross your pathway.

Dog(s) , wise choice !

If you get a puppy remember to tip it upside down. If it struggles a lot it will be more challenging to train than one that doesn’t. Choose according to your experience

A dog will get you out for regular walks which is good for your health.

At 48 you're a kid to many of us. It is for us to think about what you're thinking when we reach the late sixties. It is difficult to find a good partner when young or at any age, but when you are mature is even more difficult because mature people is already shaped, more difficult or unwilling to adapt, we all have routines, vices, peculiarities and ways to act even in sex. If you are wise and you find someone wise then you might negotiate and work thing out, it is not impossible. You should always leave a door open for this. But get the dog, it's the best company.
About your elder years. You have a choice to live life to the fullest, travel, enjoy and have a vast amount of happy memories, or live an austere life and have a lot in the end; or look for a balance of those. There's no correct answer, it depends on every individual...

Sounds like you are putting on your "Death Coach" hat...

Get the dog...and the woman who adores you.

Before you know it you will be saying to yourself "damn, I remember when I thought 48 was old."

Don't worry too much and be prepared for that golden age. I'm much older than you and here I'm dancing or try to do whatever I want that will bring me joy.