Two new studies highlight the role of human-animal bond
Two New Studies Highlight The Role Of Human-animal Bond In Improving Mental Health Of Older People
2 weeks ago 
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Two published studies released ahead of World Mental Health Day today (10th October) add new perspectives on the role animals can play in the mental health and wellbeing of older adults.
Therapy dogs significantly reduce loneliness in hospitalised elderly patients.
Conducted by Gee et al, and supported by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, research published in Innovation in Aging investigated loneliness - a public health issue which has become a serious risk for older people, comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day and potentially more dangerous than obesity.
This study is one of few to rigorously test the impact of therapy dog interactions – and compare them with human interactions – in a hospital setting.
Using a randomised control design with longitudinal follow-up – at one month and six months – the research team assessed adults aged 59 and over who were hospitalised for five or more days. The team found that, as well as reducing loneliness, a decrease in anxiety and elevation in mood was immediate for adults who spent time with therapy dogs.
The authors stated:
“These results indicate that a dog + handler interaction is effective for reducing anxiety and improving mood in hospitalized older adults. Human handler-only visits did not result in similar findings, indicating that there is something unique and beneficial about the presence of the dog.”
Pet Attachment and Maintenance of Physical and Cognitive Function
A second paper published in Anthrozoös, authored by Friedmann et al and supported by Waltham Petcare Science Institute, looked at emotional connections between older adults and their pets, and the relationship this has physical and cognitive health. Higher attachment to pets was in some cases found to be associated with slower physical decline and better maintenance of cognitive function.
Among the findings, dog owners with higher pet attachment showed slower deterioration in attention, while cat owners with higher pet attachment reported better perceived maintenance of physical wellness as they age.
The findings suggest that strong bonds between older adults and their pets could help support healthier aging and reducing functional decline, thereby enhancing quality of life for aging populations.
The authors concluded:
“The study demonstrates systematic relationships between pet attachment and changes in physical and cognitive function. From a clinical perspective, the differences between owners with higher and lower attachment to their pets in observed differences/changes in physical and cognitive function are small but meaningful.”
Dr Vanessa Ashall, HAI Technical Leader at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, commented: “We are dedicated to advancing research into human-animal interactions. Our aim is to investigate how pet ownership or pet interaction can impact the health and wellbeing of both pets and people. For certain groups in society, such as older adults, these studies show that the human-animal bond can lead to meaningful mental and physical health benefits.”
Read the research in full articles here: https://www.waltham.com/waltham-pet-attachment and https://www.waltham.com/loneliness-study
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