Invariable, we get requests from old ladies (really old in their mid to late 80's or even into the early 90's) to adopt puppies from our rescue. We do not consider a puppy as a good match for a elder person. Many of the puppies we receive as owner surrenders are from older ladies who simply cannot handle a lively puppy. Note, I am not being sexist here. It is mostly old ladies who only want a puppy
Our most recent owner surrender is Brandi, a sweet precocious, but lively, four and a half month old Maltese + pug mix.
Brandi was surrendered because she would chew on the tube from her 85-year old owner's oxygen supply
We will adopt an older, sedate dog to an elder person if (and only if) that person has a back-up who will care for the dog if the person can no longer care for it. This back-up is on the adoption form and signs that they are willing to care for the dog if the original adopted becomes incapacitated for some reason.
Just an informal, "Oh, my daughter will care for the dog if I can't!" doesn't cut it