Influence Of Companion Animals On The Physical And Psychological Health Of Older People

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 companion animal ownership maintains or slightly enhances the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) in older people.

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, companion animal owners were younger, currently married, or living with someone, and more physically active than non-companion animal owners. The ADL level of seniors without companion animals deteriorated more quickly than those with companion animals.