Other links between health and pet ownership

Another community-based study looked at home environments of elderly people with and without dogs (Dembicki & Anderson, 1996). In this cross-sectional, observational study, it was found that dog owners walked significantly longer than non-owners.

In addition, increased walking was associated with significantly lower serum triglycerides among elderly pet owners.

The authors of this study are social services professionals, and suggest that in the context of adult development and aging, pet ownership could be another aid to living that should be encouraged and assisted by local service programs.

Siegel (1990) investigated physician use among elderly individuals with and without pets, and found that individuals who owned pets and were experiencing stressful life events, reported significantly fewer contacts with doctors than those without pets.

Participants in this study reported that their pets, especially dogs, helped them in times of stress.

Continued in Companion Animals and Elderly People-the health benefits  Part 6