Pets help older adults manage health issues

Older adults with a pet, whether it was a dog, cat, bird or fish, reported that their pet helped them get active, cope with mental health issues and connect with others, according to results from the National Poll on Healthy Aging.

Researchers administered the National Poll on Healthy Aging web-based survey to a randomly selected, nationally representative sample of older adults aged 50 to 80 years (n = 2,051). Sixty-four percent of those selected completed the survey. The survey asked participants about their pets, reasons why they had or did not have pets and the benefits and challenges of having a pet.

At least one pet was owned by 55% of older adults, with most having dogs (68%), followed by cats (48%) and small pets (16%) such as a bird, fish or hamster.

Owning a pet was more likely among adults aged 50 to 64 years than those aged 65 to 80 years.

Participants reported that their pets helped them enjoy life (88%), feel loved (86%), relieve stress (79%), have a sense of purpose (73%) and stick to a routine (62%). Pets also helped older people connect with others (65%), be physically active (64%) and cope with physical and emotional issues (60%), such as pain (34%).

Older adults with a pet, whether it was a dog, cat, bird or fish, reported that their pet helped them get active, cope with mental health issues and connect with others.

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The most common reason for owning a pet was companionship (52%). Reasons for not owning a pet included burden (42%), cost (23%), time constraints (20%), allergies (16%) and no interest (19%).

A majority of pet owners reported positive experiences, but some mentioned challenges, such as difficulty traveling or participating in activities away from home (54%) and cost (18%). Some pet owners also reported that their pet’s needs take priority over their own health (15%) and that their pet caused them to fall or injure themselves (6%).

"This study highlights the many physical, psychological, and social benefits that pets can have for older adults,” Alison Bryant, PhD, senior vice president of research for AARP, said in a press release. – by Alaina Tedesco

Reference:

University of Michigan. National Poll on Healthy Aging. www.healthyagingpoll.org. Accessed April 1, 2019.

Disclosure: Healio Primary Care Today was unable to confirm relevant financial disclosures prior to publication.