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PubMed
Animal-human bond and the elderly
Animal-human bond and nursing homes

AGRICOLA
Pets and the elderly
Pets and nursing

REFERENCES

Boltz, R.P, Hart, L.A., Rogers, J. 1993. The role of pet dogs in casual conversations of elderly adults. Journal of Social Psychology. Jun;133(3):265-77.

Cookman, C.A. 1996. Older people and attachment to things, places, pets and ideas. Image: Journal of Nursing Scholarship. 28(3):227-31.

Crowley-Robinson, P., Fenwick, D.C., Blackshaw, J.K. 1996. A long-term study of elderly people in nursing homes with visiting and resident dogs. Applied Animal Behavior Science. 47:137-48.

Hecht, L., McMillin, J.D., and Silverman, P. 2001. Pets, networks, and well being. Anthrozoos 14(2):95-105.

Hendy, H.M. 1987. Effects of pet and/or people visits on nursing home residents. International Journal of Aging and Human Development. 25(4):279-91.

Jessee, E.M. 1982. Pet therapy for the elderly. Aging. Sep-Oct;(331-332):26-8.

Keil, C., Barba, B. 1995. The relationship of loneliness and stress to human-animal attachment in the elderly. Paper presented at the 7th International Conference on Human-Animal Interactions, Animals, Health and Quality of Life, September 6-9, 1995, Geneva, Switzerland

Netting, E.F., Wilson, C.C., and Fruge, C. 1988. Pet ownership and nonownership among elderly in Arizona. Anthrozoos 2:125-32.

Newby, K. 1985. Companion animal for the elderly. Lamp. Oct;42(8):32-3.

Ory, M.G., Goldberg, E.L. 1983. Pet possession and life satisfaction in elderly women. Research in Aging. 5:389-409.

Peretti, P.O. Elderly-animal friendship bonds. Panminerva Med. 1988 Jul-Sep;30(3):188-91.

Raina, P., Bonnett, B., et al. 1995. The impact of pet ownership on the functional transitions among elderly. Paper presented at the 7th International Conference on Human-Animal Interactions, Animals, Health and Quality of Life, September 6-9, 1995, Geneva, Switzerland

Raina, P., Bonnett, B., Waltner-Toews, D. 1998. Relationship between pet ownership and healthcare use among seniors. Presented at the 8th International Conference on Human-Animal Interactions, The Changing Roles of Animals in Society, September 10-12, 1998, Prague.

Robb, S.S., Stegman, C.E. 1983. Companion animals and elderly people: A challenge for evaluators of social support. The Gerontologist. 23:277-82.

Silverman, F. 1985. Dogs and the elderly: the perfect prescription for companionship.  Nursing Homes.  Jan-Feb;34(1):33-4.

Stallones, L., Marx, M.B., et. al. 1988. Attachment to companion animals among older pet owners. Anthrozoos 2:118-24.

Stauffer, S.B. 1982. Pet programs for the elderly: rewards and responsibilities.
Aging. 1982 Sep-Oct;(331-332):9-14.

REFERENCES WITH ABSTRACTS

Brickel, C.M. 1980. A review of the roles of pet animals in psychotherapy and with the elderly. International Journal of Aging and Human Development. 12(2):119-28.
Abstract:
A survey of case histories, anecdotal evidence and pilot studies shows that, as therapeutic adjuncts, pet animals facilitate rapport and enrich the
treatment milieu. Pets enhance the lives of their owners in the community. Pet-facilitated psychotherapy can increase social interaction, provide
comfort, and reinforce feelings of independence. (Author)
Found in ERIC Database

Dembicki, D., Anderson, J. 1996. Pet ownership may be a factor in improved health of the elderly. Journal of Nutrition for the Eldery 15(3):15-31.
Abstract:
The familiar adage "pets are good for your health" is an interesting but largely untested theory. A new model was developed, based on pet ownership leads to better self care, to show possible associations between pet ownership with eating, exercise, nutritional status, and specific cardiovascular risk factors. Seniors aged sixty and above were solicited mainly at senior congregate meals program sites in north-central Colorado (n = 127) to participate in this cross-sectional, observational study. Statistical analyses of questionnaire, anthropometric, physiological, and biochemical data were performed. Dog owners walked significantly longer than non-owners (p < 0.05), and pet owners had significantly lower serum triglycerides than non-owners (p < 0.01). Results suggest that pets may be good for your health.
Found in PubMed Database

Mahalski, P.A., et al. 1988. The value of cat ownership to elderly women living alone. International Journal of Aging and Human Development. 27(4):249-60.
Abstract:
Surveyed elderly women in two New Zealand cities; one allowed pet cats, one did not. Attitudes toward pet cats were more positive in city allowing
pets and among pensioners who owned, or wished to own, cats. Since positive attitudes outweighed negative ones, City Authority banning cats
reversed its policy. Found conflicting evidence about cats' role in reducing loneliness. (Author/NB)
Found in ERIC Database

Raina, P., Waltner-Toews, D., et al. 1999. Influence of companion animals on the physical and psychological health of older people: An analysis of a one-year longitudinal study. Journal of the Americal Geriatrics Society. 47(3):323-29.
Abstract:
Examined whether (1) attachment to companion animals is associated with changes in physical and psychological health in older Ss, and (2) the relationships between physical and psychological health and human social networks are modified by the presence or absence of a companion animal. A 1-yr longitudinal study was conducted with standardized telephone interview data collected at baseline and 1-yr later with 995 noninstitutionalized 65-80+ yr olds. Data were collected on social network activity, the current number of selected health problems, pet ownership status, physical health (assessed as the ability to perform Activities of Daily Living [ADLs]), psychological health, and sociodemographic variables. Results show that pet owners were younger, married or living with someone, and more physically active than non-pet owners. The ADL level of nonowners deteriorated more on average than that of pet owners during the 1-yr period. Ownership significantly modified the relationship between social support and the change in psychological well-being over the 1-yr period.
Found in PsycINFO Database

Smith, D.W.E., et al. 1992. Pet ownership by elderly people: two new issues. International Journal of Aging and Human Development. 34(3):175-84.
Abstract:
Examined two issues of pet ownership in mail questionnaire and interview survey of 1,595 older adults over age 60, 377 of whom had a pet. Found
evidence that pets were important determinant of housing choice. Many elderly pet owners had made no arrangements for pet if they predecease it
or become unable to care for it. (Author/NB)
Found in ERIC Database

Wilson, C.C., Netting, E.E. Companion animals and the elderly: a state-of-the-art summary. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Assoc. 1983 Dec 15; 183(12):1425-9.
Abstract:
The human/animal relationship exhibited by the elderly and their pets has limitations as well as potentials. The functions of a pet as a companion and social facilitator in pet-facilitated psychotherapy include serving as a cotherapist for facilitation of rapport, providing companionship, substituting for close interpersonal relationships (ie, significant others), enhancing the health status of a variety of target groups, increasing opportunity for sensory stimulation, and providing emotional support and a sense of well-being. Available information was limited because few studies have been replicated, data were not validated, and previous studies were restricted mainly to institutionalized or therapeutic environments. Implications for future research include use of animals for companionship and to promote the physical, social, and emotional health of the elderly.
Found in PubMed Database

BIBLIOGRAPHIES

Frazier, B.H., Hayes, K.C. 1990. Selected Resources on Aging: An Annotated Bibliography for Researchers and Educators. Special ReferenceBriefs.
Abstract:
This annotated bibliography was created to identify research-based information to assist social scientists, educators, and leaders in developing
public policies and programs that enhance the health and well-being of the elderly in their communities and throughout the nation. It includes a
compilation of 10 separate Pathfinders from the United States Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Library and includes citations in the
areas of: (1) adult children; (2) aging parents; (3) family caregiving; (4) family support networks; (5) grandparenting; (6) humor in later life; (7)
intergenerational relationships; (8) living arrangements in later life; (9) pets and the elderly; and (10) sibling relationships in adulthood. Also included
are lists of sources of additional information, organizations concerned with issues of aging, and reviewers who helped in the selection of materials
to be included in the bibliography. (NB)
Found in ERIC Database

CONTACT ORGANIZATIONS

Pets for the Elderly Foundation
http://petsfortheelderly.org/

The Delta Society
http://www.deltasociety.org/

Health Benefits of Animals : Seniors
http://www.deltasociety.org/AnimalsHealthSeniorsSeniors.htm

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