Uncovering Pet Ownership Benefits, Challenges, and Resources in an Aging Society: Promoting Healthy Aging in Healthcare and Community Environments

Healthy aging enables adults to maintain their wellbeing by creating environments which assist individuals to enact their values and preferences. The human-animal bond plays a vital role in the lives of older adults, including those living with dementia; therefore, pets are likely to impact older adults’ values, needs, and preferences. Caregivers are essential to the health and wellbeing of millions of older adults. Recent evidence suggests that older adults’ pets can have a significant impact on those caregivers. The promotion of healthy aging also relies on healthcare and social service professionals. Addressing the topic of pet ownership can promote honest and productive communication, uncovering risks and benefits to patients’ health.