INTEREST GROUP SESSION - HUMAN-ANIMAL INTERACTION: IMPACTS AND ISSUES OF PET OWNERSHIP FOR COMMUNITY DWELLING OLDER ADULTS

Approximately one-third of older adults live with a pet (i.e., a companion animal). Housing is recognized as an important issue for older adults; however, the potential impact of a pet on the process of locating appropriate housing is understudied. The aim of this symposium is to begin addressing this issue, along with the impact of the human-animal bond on older adults’ well-being within the home. The talks will provide information on current policies, the lived experiences of older adults who have managed this issue, and how a pet can impact psychological well-being in two different unique older adult populations. The first paper will provide an overview of national policies addressing pet ownership for older adults in private and public housing. The talk will cover laws concerning pet ownership as well as service and assistance animals. The second talk will present the experiences of older adults in need of pet-friendly housing along with those of the individuals working in community organizations serving older adults. These results are part of a larger mixed-methods study which investigated this subject. Previously published quantitative findings will provide additional context for the results of this narrative analysis. The third talk provides quantitative evidence for the impact of pets on the well-being of homebound older adults, specifically depression and stress. The final paper is a qualitative investigation which brings together the influences culture, identity, socioeconomic status, and pet ownership on the construction of the concept of home.