Growing Old Together: Companion Animals In Older Persons’ Homes
Many studies have shown the benefits that pets can bring to elderly people, from increasing social interactions to reducing blood pressure. This study, published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, sought to evaluate how the age and living circumstances of elderly guardians (“owners”) impact the quality of life of their pets. The authors recruited 148 elderly (65+) and adult (18-65) dog guardians living in rural and urban areas in and around two cities in Northern Italy and assessed their dogs using three methods: veterinary examinations, questionnaires on dog care, and questionnaires on the emotional attachment of guardians to their pets.
Results indicate that the age of guardians does not affect the health of their dogs, the daily care they provide to their dogs (e.g. bathing, brushing, walking), or their emotional attachments. The only statistically significant finding was that elderly guardians provide a lower level of health care to their dogs, as they are less likely than other adult guardians to take their dogs to the vet or treat them against parasites. The authors suggest that the difference may result from the lower socioeconomic status or reduced mobility of elderly guardians, as well as a lack of information.
Interestingly, the authors found much larger differences in quality of life between dogs and elderly people living in rural areas compared to elderly people living in urban areas. Results show that elderly guardians in urban areas are more emotionally attached to their dogs and provide significantly higher levels of care, as they more frequently take their dogs the vet, feed them healthy food and bath, brush, and walk them. The authors observe that the urban guardians in the study had less social connection with other people than rural guardians and may therefore have developed closer emotional bonds with their dogs.
The authors note that the results may be particularly interesting for veterinarians, as they are in a position to provide information about proper pet care to elderly pet guardians in both rural and urban areas. Non-profit and governmental organizations may also be in a position to provide education, financial assistance, and other support services.