Title | Neighborhood Engagement, Dogs, and Life Satisfaction in Older Adulthood. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2020 |
Authors | Curl, AL, Bibbo, J, Johnson, RA |
Journal | Journal of Applied Gerontology |
Date Published | 2020 Sep 10 |
ISSN Number | 1552-4523 |
Keywords | Engagement, Life Satisfaction, neighborhood |
Abstract | OBJECTIVES: This study examined the relationships between dog ownership, dog walking, and the emotional bond with a dog to neighborhood engagement and life satisfaction among those over age 50. METHOD: Using data from the Health and Retirement Study ( = 476), two path analysis models were conducted to test the research hypotheses. RESULTS: Findings indicated that dog ownership did not have a direct or indirect relationship on life satisfaction. However, time spent in dog walking was associated with frequency of social interactions, which itself had a positive association with life satisfaction. The bond with a dog was not directly associated with life satisfaction but was associated with dog walking. DISCUSSION: Dog walking is a promising strategy for simultaneously promoting better health and social engagement, and these factors in turn can promote greater life satisfaction of older adults. |
DOI | 10.1177/0733464820953725 |
Citation Key | 11061 |
PubMed ID | 32909494 |