Influence of Companion Animals on the Physical and Psychological Health of Older People
Submitted on Sep 09, 2009 (Original item from 1999)
Companion Animals | Pet Ownership
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Short Description:
This study examined whether or not an attachment to companion animals is associated with better physical and/or psychological health in senior citizens and found that pet ownership maintains or slightly enhances the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) in older people.
Abstract:
In this study, the physical health of senior citizens was measured as the ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Psychological health was measured as a score representing the overall satisfaction one had relating to health, family, friends, job, finances, life in general, overall happiness, and perceived mental health.
The results of this study found that there are clearly identified benefits of having a companion animal. In general, pet owners were younger, currently married, or living with someone, and more physically active than non-pet owners. The ADL level of seniors without pets deteriorated more quickly than those with pets.
Spot Check Number:
1158
Sponsor:
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
Animal Type:
Dogs, Cats, Companion Animals
Record Type:
Journal Article, Research Study
Research Method:
Experimental/Modeling/Applications
Geographic Region:
United States National
Number of Participants:
995
Population Descriptors:
Non-institutionalized senior citizens
Year Conducted:
1999
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