Life Experiences of Caring for Pets Among Taiwanese Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Pets as an Integral Part of the Family and Beyond

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to use grounded theory to explore the experiences of caring for pets from the perspective of Taiwanese community-dwelling older adults. Twelve participants ages 65 to 73 were interviewed. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method of qualitative analysis. Pets as an integral part of the family unit and beyond was the core category. The pet becomes part of my family was identified as the antecedent condition; this process undertakes action and interaction among the categories of the pet is part of my daily life, the pet provides positive life energy, and the pet is a sweet companion. Older adults believe caring for pets can bring them self-affirmation and lead them to blessings and luck. The results provide a framework to understand the experiences of older adults who reside with their pets, and serve as a guide for the design of animal-assisted therapy in future research and practice. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 43(1), 44-49.].

Understanding the Benefits, Challenges, and the Role of Pet Ownership in the Daily Lives of Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Case Study

“…She takes pride in being able to meet her dog’s needs, which gives her a sense of independence. Jack is an integral part of his older adult owner’s daily life, which is in line with reported findings [ 23 , 44 ]. His companionship makes Violet feel safe and less alone—these aspects have gained even more importance for her over time.…”

Pros and cons of pet ownership in sustaining independence in community-dwelling older adults: a scoping review

“…Positive psychological outcomes such as increased feelings of wellbeing, self-efficacy, happiness, cheerfulness and relaxation were reported in almost half the studies reviewed (N = 27; 43.5%), as well as a decrease in depressive symptoms, anxiety and stress levels (Enders-Slegers, 2000; Hecht et al , 2001; Suthers-McCabe, 2001; Becker and Morton, 2002; Likourezos et al , 2002; VanZile, 2004; Mallia, 2006; Motooka et al , 2006; Tatschl et al , 2006; Chur-Hansen et al , 2008; de Guzman et al , 2009; Hargrave, 2011; Culbertson, 2013; Gretebeck et al , 2013; Himsworth and Rock, 2013; Putney, 2013, 2014; Johansson et al , 2014; McNicholas, 2014; Bennett et al , 2015; Mayo Clinic, 2015; Zane, 2015; Branson et al , 2016; Yang et al , 2017). Pets could also decrease the stress associated with grief following the loss of a loved one (Wells and Rodi, 2000; Suthers-McCabe, 2001; Dice, 2002; Hara, 2007; Culbertson, 2013; Putney, 2013; McNicholas, 2014; Anderson et al , 2015).…”

Work-Life Conflict during Covid-19 and Psychological Resilience Role of Self-Affirmation Interventions - A Study in Bangalore, India

“…According to Self-affirmation theory people are striving to sustain their self-worth 8 and relatedness or social interaction is positively associated with self-worth. The connection between the spirituality, mindfulness, and meditation, caring for pets and self-affirmation has been investigated in previous research 63 . Future research should be built on this study by investigating the processes through which these selfaffirmation interventions improve the well-being of individuals and help them in coping the stress.…”