@article {11061, title = {Neighborhood Engagement, Dogs, and Life Satisfaction in Older Adulthood.}, journal = {Journal of Applied Gerontology}, year = {2020}, month = {2020 Sep 10}, 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.

}, keywords = {Engagement, Life Satisfaction, neighborhood}, issn = {1552-4523}, doi = {10.1177/0733464820953725}, author = {Angela L Curl and Bibbo, Jessica and Rebecca A Johnson} } @article {10169, title = {Pets in the lives of older adults: A life course perspective}, journal = {Anthrozo{\"o}s}, volume = {32}, year = {2019}, month = {Apr-07-2019}, pages = {541 - 554}, abstract = {This study employed the life course perspective to investigate the convergence of two demographic shifts: the aging of the population and the increase of pet ownership. Specifically, we examined whether pet ownership, the degree of bond with a pet, and reasons for and against pet ownership differed between three age cohorts: the young-old (ages 51{\textendash}64 years), older adults (ages 65{\textendash}84), and the oldest-old (ages 85 and over). This study analyzed data from 1,367 respondents of the 2012 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) using bivariate statistics and multivariate regression models. We found evidence for differences in rates of pet ownership by race, ethnicity, age, number living in household, and whether someone was living with a spouse or partner, but not by gender, education, income, wealth, or health. The bond with a pet did not differ across age cohorts. Companionship was the most common reason for owning a pet across the three age groups, while concern about the resources (e.g., time and work) required of pet ownership was the most common reason for not living with a pet. Results were interpreted at the individual level using the life course perspective{\textquoteright}s tenets of timing in lives, linked lives, and human agency, while taking the societal level tenet of historical time and place into account. While rates of pet ownership differed by age cohort, all participants reported a strong bond with their companion animal. Programs and policies can help facilitate these ongoing relationships. The life course perspective provides a useful framework to gain a deeper understanding of pet ownership and the human{\textendash}animal bond throughout people{\textquoteright}s lives. }, keywords = {Decision making, Life trajectories, Pets}, issn = {0892-7936}, doi = {10.1080/08927936.2019.1621541}, author = {Bibbo, Jessica and Angela L Curl and Rebecca A Johnson} } @article {6511, title = {Dog Walking, the Human-Animal Bond and Older Adults{\textquoteright} Physical Health.}, journal = {Gerontologist}, volume = {57}, year = {2017}, month = {2017 Oct 01}, pages = {930-939}, abstract = {

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This study explored the associations between dog ownership and pet bonding with walking behavior and health outcomes in older adults.

DESIGN AND METHODS: We used data from the 12th wave (2012) of the Health and Retirement Study which included an experimental human-animal interaction module. Ordinary least squares regression and binary logistic regression models controlling for demographic variables were used to answer the research questions.

RESULTS: Dog walking was associated with lower body mass index, fewer activities of daily living limitations, fewer doctor visits, and more frequent moderate and vigorous exercise. People with higher degrees of pet bonding were more likely to walk their dog and to spend more time walking their dog each time, but they reported walking a shorter distance with their dog than those with weaker pet bonds. Dog ownership was not associated with better physical health or health behaviors.

IMPLICATIONS: This study provides evidence for the association between dog walking and physical health using a large, nationally representative sample. The relationship with one{\textquoteright}s dog may be a positive influence on physical activity for older adults.

}, keywords = {Aged, Animals, Dogs, Female, Health Status, Human-Animal Bond, Humans, Least-Squares Analysis, Linear Models, Logistic Models, Male, Middle Aged, Ownership, Walking}, issn = {1758-5341}, doi = {10.1093/geront/gnw051}, url = {http://gerontologist.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2016/03/18/geront.gnw051.abstract}, author = {Angela L Curl and Bibbo, Jessica and Rebecca A Johnson} }