Companion Animals and Health in Older Populations: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT

Objectives

. The aim of this systematic literature review (SLR) was to investigate the effect of companion animals (whether simply as pets or used in more formal intervention approaches) on the physical and mental health of older adults (aged 60+).

Methods

. The reviewers identified key search terms and conducted a systematic search of the PsycINFO and PubMed databases. The 70 articles reviewed were evaluated through tabular and thematic analysis.

Results

. In 52 of the studies examined, companion animals positively contributed to the mental and/or physical health of older adults. With respect to mental health, involvement with a companion animal improved participant quality of life and effectively attenuated symptoms of depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and the behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of dementia (BPSD). In relation to physical health, marked increases in physical activity and improvements in blood pressure and heart rate variability were the only consistent physical health improvements observed from companion animal interactions.

Conclusions

. Animal companionship can benefit the mental and physical health of older adults, although more and better controlled research on this topic is required.

Clinical Implications

. Use of companion animals has the potential to be an effective treatment or adjunct therapy to improve the health status and quality of life of older individuals.

KEYWORDS:

• Animal assisted therapy
• animal assisted activity
• animal companionship
• pet ownership
• older adult
• health
• mental health
• aging

Clinical Implications

This systematic review focuses on how animal companionship (either AAI programs or pet-ownership) can influence and benefit the mental and physical health of older adults. Animals are being incorporated increasingly into interventions across a range of contexts to target physical and mental health improvement. Clinicians should keep in mind that:

• Companion animals appear to have a stronger and more consistent positive impact on improving older adults’ quality of life and BPSD, while showing more inconsistent benefits for depression and anxiety.

• Animal companionship does not appear to have a strong or consistent effect on cognitive functioning, either positively or negatively.

• Companion animals, particularly dogs, are consistently associated with increased exercise and increased likelihood of achieving physical activity targets.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed here.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.