Measuring the Benefits
Companion Animals and the Health of Older Persons - IFA’s new report
The health impact of pets on older people is explored
in a new report published by the International Federation on Ageing (IFA). The report Companion Animals and the Health of Older Persons provides
a literature review into the ways pets contribute to the physical and mental
health of individuals and the well-being of society.

“Many
studies have broadly discussed how pets, such as dogs and cats, contribute to
health by reducing anxiety, loneliness and depression, but until today have not
yet been published in a single resource. This new report advances our
understanding of the value of companion animals in the framework of human
health and the broader society,” she said.
"The interaction between humans and animals is powerful;
animals can educate, motivate, and enhance the quality of life for people
around the world", said Michael Devoy, chief medical officer, Bayer HealthCare,
which sponsored the report.
“Given
the scope of this report, we are excited that this research has the ability to
reach human healthcare practitioners, veterinarians, doctors, nurses,
gerontologists, and social workers,” Mr Devoy said.
Report Summary:
This
report is the most extensive literature review to date of
research undertaken in the field of companion animals and the health of
older people. Encompassing published research from 1980 to 2013,
it considers the impact on the physical, psychological, emotional
and social health of older people, both in the community as pet
owners and as residents of care facilities and other institutions to
whom animals are introduced for recreational and therapeutic purposes. The
economic impact of companion animals is also considered. Despite
limitations and gaps in the research caused by weak project design or
poorly-controlled studies, the positive indicators of improvements to the
health and well-being of older people are encouraging and affirm the value
of future research in this field.
Click here to access the full report: www.ifa-fiv.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Companion-Animals-and-Older-Persons-Full-Report-Online.pdf
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