Old friends make the best friends: A counter-narrative of aging for people and pets

Yamasaki, Jill

doi:10.1016/j.jaging.2020.100873

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…Caring for and having a meaningful connection with companion animals does not necessarily require ownership [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. An increasing number of rescue organisations run companion animal foster programmes where stray or surrendered animals are placed in temporary homes with human fosterers at a time of transition until they are ready to be adopted [ 32 ] or in some cases until they can be reunited with their original human guardian.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For older adults who are facing challenges with life transitions and ageing, fostering may be an alternative to permanent pet ownership. Some older people struggle with the costs of animal ownership, express concerns about dying before a pet, or live in situations that restrict pets (e.g., aged care facilities) [ 19 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 40 ]. Consequently, examining alternatives to ownership that include the caregiving of companion animals by older people may be valuable.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Companion Animal Fostering as Health Promotion: A Literature Review

Roseveare

Breheny

Mansvelt

et al. 2023

IJERPH

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There is growing interest in the health-promoting potential of human-companion animal relationships from a broad public health perspective while acknowledging barriers to ownership, particularly for older adults. Companion animal fostering is an alternative to pet ownership that aligns with the Ottawa Charter health promotion principle that caring for others in everyday settings promotes health. This narrative review of the literature on companion animal fostering draws on Te Whare Tapa Whā (the four-sided house), an indigenous model of health that is influential in Aotearoa/New Zealand, and the Ottawa Charter. We found that companion animal fostering can be considered health-promoting for human and non-human animals, using a broad and multidimensional understanding of health. As well as improving the long-term outcomes for homeless animals, companion animal fostering has the potential to promote the health of the individuals, families, and communities who provide foster homes. Our review highlights the importance of health promoters considering the reciprocal relationship between human and animal health. Future research should explore different aspects of human and non-human health, perspectives of different types of fosterers in different settings and communities, barriers to fostering, and methods that explore the role of caring for a wider range of companion animals in creating and sustaining wellbeing.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Companion Animal Fostering as Health Promotion: A Literature Review

Roseveare

Breheny

Mansvelt

et al. 2023

IJERPH

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Human–Animal Interaction

Yamasaki¹

2022

The International Encyclopedia of Health Communication

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Human–animal interaction (HAI) constitutes an important source of companionship, comfort, and support during times of illness, stress, loneliness, isolation, and trauma. Worldwide, research documents ways in which HAI stimulates verbal communication, increases empathy and morale, and facilitates social connections for support, belonging, recognition, and status. Researchers have also found positive associations between HAI and physical health. Pet ownership and/or engagement with therapeutic animals in animal‐assisted interventions (AAI) helps promote physical fitness, attachment, and the production of oxytocin while also lowering blood pressure, stress, and even mortality following a heart attack. Evidence also suggests HAI may contribute to reduced depression, anxiety, and loneliness for improved well‐being across the lifespan. Although interdisciplinary, most HAI research originates from outside of the health communication discipline. Scholars and practitioners interested in HAI hail from a variety of fields such as psychology, medicine, sociology, nursing, social work, and veterinary medicine. As interdisciplinary scholars and practitioners continue to solidify and clarify the benefits of AAI for people and animals, the HAI field will continue to flourish. Health communication scholars can contribute to this meaningful growth by developing evidence‐based interventions, advocating for AAI in public policy, and promoting professionalization of the field as a valued treatment modality.

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An ‘all-world ageing’ perspective and its wider ethics of care: An empirical illustration

Andrews,

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2024

Social Science & Medicine

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Old friends make the best friends: A counter-narrative of aging for people and pets

Cited by 5 publications

References 23 publications

Companion Animal Fostering as Health Promotion: A Literature Review

Companion Animal Fostering as Health Promotion: A Literature Review

Human–Animal Interaction

An ‘all-world ageing’ perspective and its wider ethics of care: An empirical illustration

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