Abstract
Companion dogs are part of families and households. Research has focused on the role of therapy and service dogs in people’s lives. Dogs have been involved for therapeutic purposes in interventions targeting older adults with depression and dementia, mostly in institutional settings, and have shown effectiveness. However, literature on the impact of pet dogs on community-dwelling older adults is scarce. Since many older community-dwelling adults have a companion dog, it is important to better understand how companion dogs contribute to active and healthy aging. This study mapped the impact of having a companion dog on the social interactions of community-dwelling older adults living in urban areas using a scoping review. Electronic databases were searched, and studies written in English, Portuguese, and Spanish that were published in a peer-reviewed journal were identified. After a careful review, 10 eligible studies were identified, and relevant findings were extracted. The main findings indicated that having a dog may promote or hinder social interactions and that having a dog is about routines and sharing affection. Older adult that have a pet dog may spend more time at home to ensure their dogs are not alone, thus limiting social interaction. Dog characteristics (in particular size, age, and behavior) have been scarcely explored and may mediate dog–owner social interactions. Outdoor spaces, including dog-friendly spaces, increase the frequency and quality of activities outside the home, including with the companion dog. More research is needed to clarify what makes having a companion dog key to promoting healthy aging.
Presenters
Liliana SousaAssociate Professor, Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro (501 461 108), Aveiro, Portugal Miguel Padeiro
Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and Tourism, University of Coimbra, Portugal Helena Luz
Invited Professor, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences | University of Coimbra, Portugal Suellen Costa
Student, Master, Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
Companion dogs, Older Adults, Social Interaction, Urban Areas, Healthy Ageing
