New research shows older adults see mental health benefits from human-animal bond
At Mars, we have been studying the human-animal bond and its power to improve the health and wellbeing of both humans and animals.
We are dedicated to advancing Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) research. And every day, we work towards uncovering new insights on impact of pets on our health and our lives.
Two new studies supported by Waltham Petcare Science Institute reveal new ways we are seeing pets support the mental and physical health of older adults.
Globally people are living longer than ever before. And in later life, mental health challenges can often be overlooked and undertreated. Loneliness, anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline are common in older adults, and with World Mental Health Day on October 10, the findings of these new studies are timely.
The first of two new studies investigated the impact of therapy dogs on older adults during hospital stays.
Specifically, the team assessed people who were 59 or older and had spent five or more days in hospital. The study has uncovered that therapy dogs may be a potential solution to ease the burden of loneliness for older people in hospital. Patient’s interactions with therapy dogs significantly reduced the feeling of loneliness. Visits from humans alone did not bring the same results, highlighting the particular impact of canine contact and companionship.
“There is something unique and beneficial about the presence of the dog,” researchers concluded.
The second study looked at emotional connections(Opens a new window) between older adults and their pets, and the relationship this has with maintaining their physical or cognitive health.
Among the findings, dog owners with higher attachment to their pet showed slower deterioration in attention, while cat owners with higher attachment reported better perceived maintenance of physical wellness as they age.
This research suggests that strong bonds between older adults and their pets could help slow down physical and cognitive decline.
Mars continues to drive high-quality research in the field of human-animal interaction to further understanding of the benefit of human-animal bond in different populations. With an aging global population, interventions that promote positive mental health and wellbeing in older adults are becoming increasingly important.
These findings help to build a picture of the potential role of pet ownership and pet interactions in supporting the mental health of older people.
See the research in full here:
- Canine companionship and the loneliness epidemic: New research shows the power of therapy dogs in combatting loneliness in older age(Opens a new window)
- Better in mind and body: New published research examines the role strong bonds between older adults and their pets in maintaining physical and cognitive health(Opens a new window)
