Centre for Policy on Ageing



In the company of wolves — the physical, social and psychological benefits of dog ownership
Author(s)	Sarah Knight, Victoria Edwards
Journal title	Journal of Aging and Health, vol 20, no 4, June 2008
Pages	pp 437-455
Source	http://www.sagepublications.com
Keywords	Dogs [pets] ; Well being ; Health [elderly] ; Mental health [elderly] ; Social surveys ; Hampshire.
Annotation	A preventative approach to health in older age is taken, in which it is suggested that owning and walking a dog can enhance physical health and reduce minor ailments. Participants aged 28-85 in 19 focus groups in Hampshire discussed physical, psychological and social benefits associated with human-dog interactions. Methods provided a rich database of individual perspectives on dogs as motivators to a healthy lifestyle. Interaction between humans and dogs is a mechanism that can enhance the physical and psychological health of older citizens and promote a social support network between dog owners. In turn, dependence and impact on health and social services are alleviated. The social and community consequences of promoting dog ownership amongst the older population group are discussed, and it is concluded that the benefits of dog ownership should be further promoted and acknowledged by relevant agencies. (KJ/RH).
Accession Number	CPA-080702214 A
Classmark	HVTD: D:F:5HH: CC: D: 3F: 8H
Data © Centre for Policy on Ageing

...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing.