scholarly journals Uncovering Pet Issues: A Survey of Professionals Working With Older Adults and Care Partners

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 217-217
Author(s):  
Jessica Bibbo ◽  
Justin Johnson ◽  
Jennifer Drost ◽  
Margaret Sanders
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Pet Ownership ◽  
Care Recipients ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Care Partners ◽  
Geriatric Service ◽  
Financial Aspect

Abstract Pets can play an important role in older adults’ health behaviors and decisions. However, the degree to which these issues are encountered or addressed by professionals working with this population remains unknown. An interdisciplinary (e.g., healthcare, social services) sample of professionals (N=72, 93.05% female, Mage=48.82, SDage=12.57) completed an online survey focused on the pet ownership issues they have encountered while working with older adults, persons with dementia, and care partners. The professionals (n=66) estimated 42.86% of their clients had been pet owners, and 45.58% regularly asked their clients about pets. Issues raised to the professionals varied by type of client. Older adults most often brought up exercising the pet, routine veterinary care, and the financial aspect of ownership (all 37.50%). Persons with dementia most often discussed accessing pet care items (12.50%), exercising the pet (9.72%), and basic pet care (8.33%). Care partners brought up basic pet care (33.33%), planning for the pet due to their care recipients’ housing transition (26.38%), and exercising the pet (25.00%). Professionals reported talking to clients about planning for the pet due to housing transition, concerns about falling, and concerns about the pet’s behavior (all 31.94%). The professionals (n=69) were very favorable toward pet ownership in general (M=4.43, SD=0.78) (1=extremely unfavorable, 5=extremely favorable), less favorable about older adult pet ownership (M=4.15, SD=0.72, p=.002), and even less favorable about persons with dementia owning pets (M=3.51, SD=0.93, p<.001). The results provide evidence that pet ownership issues are likely encountered in geriatric service settings and may shape healthy aging.

scholarly journals DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY NOW, PET OWNERS: THE RELATION BETWEEN PET OWNERSHIP AND ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN LATE LIFE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S165-S165
Author(s):  
Courtney J Bolstad ◽  
Carolyn E Adams-Price ◽  
Michael R Nadorff
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Pet Ownership ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Reported Health

Abstract Pets can provide older adults a means of social support, which can combat problems faced in later life including loneliness, anxiety, and depression. However, current research findings in this area are mixed. The current study explored the differences in anxiety and depression between pet owners and non-pet owners and how pet ownership was associated with these symptoms after accounting for other established correlates. We hypothesized pet owners would endorse fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression than non-pet owners and owning a pet would be associated with these symptoms even after accounting for other common correlates. Participants included 608 older adults aged 70 to 95 that were included in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging. As hypothesized, results indicated that pet owners endorsed significantly fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression than non-pet owners. Hierarchical regressions indicated that owning a pet explained a significant amount of variance in anxiety symptoms even after controlling for depression, self-reported health, and demographics. However, owning a pet did not have a significant association with depressive symptoms after accounting for anxiety, self-reported health, and demographics. These results suggest that lower rates of anxiety and depression are related to owning a pet and that pet ownership is associated with fewer anxiety symptoms, but not depressive symptoms, independent of several established correlates of anxiety. Future research is needed to determine the specific mechanisms of pet ownership that comprise this relationship as well as whether pet ownership may longitudinally reduce or buffer against anxiety in late life.

Physical Activity and Pet Ownership in Year 3 of the Health ABC Study

2006 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roland J. Thorpe ◽  
Regina A. Kreisle ◽  
Lawrence T. Glickman ◽  
Eleanor M. Simonsick ◽  
Anne B. Newman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Pet Ownership ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Longitudinal Investigation ◽  
Dog Owners ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Relationship

Pet ownership among older adults was investigated to determine whether dog owners were more likely to engage in physical activity than non-dog-pet or non–pet owners. The relationship between pet ownership and physical activity was examined using data from the Health ABC study. After age, race, education level, number of assets, family income, and site were adjusted for dog owners were more likely than non–pet owners to have engaged in non-exercise-related walking in the preceding week but did not differ from non–pet owners in walking for exercise or any physical activity. In contrast, non-dog-pet owners did not differ from non–pet owners in non-exercise-related walking in the preceding week and were less likely than non–pet owners to have engaged in walking for exercise or any physical activity in the preceding week. The activity-related benefits of pet ownership in older adults were limited to dog owners, who engaged in greater overall physical activity—non-exercise-related walking, in particular. Whether pet-related physical activity is sufficient to provide health benefits requires longitudinal investigation.

scholarly journals Virtual Geriatric Education Preferences of Rural Social Workers

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 328-328
Author(s):  
Joan Ilardo ◽  
Raza Haque ◽  
Angela Zell
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Transitional Care ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽  
Care Plans ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
Geriatric Service

Abstract Older adults in rural communities need access to comprehensive healthcare services provided by practitioners equipped with geriatric knowledge and skills. The Geriatric Rural Extension of Expertise through Telegeriatric Service (GREETS) project goal is to use telemedicine and telehealth to expand geriatric service options to underserved Michigan regions. GREETS educational programs train health practitioners to provide geriatric care for vulnerable older adults. To determine gaps in geriatric competencies, the team conducted an online survey of health professionals including behavioral health practitioners. Respondents identified educational topics and preferred virtual delivery methods. Demographic information included respondent’s professional position, practice setting, and county. The respondents were asked to indicate level of educational need using a scale ranging from a low, medium, or high need. Fifty (47%) of 106 total responses were from social workers. We compared the percent of social workers to other practitioners’ responses in our analysis. Four topics emerged for both groups as medium or high educational needs: 1) transitional care when changing residential settings or post-hospitalization; 2) assisting family caregivers cope with caregiving responsibilities; 3) incorporating community-based services into care plans; and 4) and managing frail older adults. Social workers noted higher need than the other respondents for: 1) managing chronic pain; 2) managing care of patients with multiple chronic conditions; 3) having serious illness conversations; 4) diagnosing dementia; and 5) discussing advance care planning. Both social worker and other respondents indicated interactive case-based webinars; published tools, toolkits, tip sheets; and didactic webinars as their top three learning formats.

scholarly journals Sense of Purpose Following a Dementia Diagnostic Appointment: Comparing Self- and Other-Reports of Care Recipients and Care Partners

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Wynn ◽  
Catherine H. Ju ◽  
Patrick L. Hill
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Purpose In Life ◽  
Older Adulthood ◽  
Self And Other ◽  
Sense Of Purpose ◽  
Care Recipients ◽  
Care Partners ◽  
Self Reports ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Future Work

Objective: Purpose in life tends to decline in older adulthood and it is thought that intact cognitive functioning is required for purposeful living. Thus, it is likely that individuals may perceive older adults who are experiencing cognitive declines associated with dementia as having a reduced sense of purpose. Biases such as these may influence how individuals, especially care partners, interact with those with dementia.Method: This study examined how sense of purpose changed following a dementia diagnostic appointment for both the person receiving a diagnosis and their care partner. This study also explored how each individual perceived the other member of the dyad’s sense of purpose. Older adults (47 care recipients and 75 care partners, 57% female; Mage = 68.5 years, SDage = 12.0 years) provided self- and other-report ratings of sense of purpose before and after their appointment at a specialized memory clinic.Results: Overall, both care recipients and care partners’ sense of purpose declined following a dementia diagnostic appointment [t(85) = 7.01, p < 0.001]. However, when comparing self-reports and other-reports of purpose, care partners reported that care recipients experienced a lower sense of purpose in life than the care recipients reported about themselves.Conclusions: Care recipients and partners reported less purpose in life following their dementia diagnostic appointment. Care partners may hold certain biases regarding sense of purpose toward care recipients. These findings can inform future work regarding how care recipients and care partners can plan purposeful lives following a dementia diagnosis.

scholarly journals Accelerometry-Based Assessment of Physical Activity in Older Adults During COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1030-1030
Author(s):  
Renoa Choudhury ◽  
Ladda Thiamwong ◽  
Oscar Garcia ◽  
Rui Xie ◽  
Jeffrey Stout ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Social

Abstract COVID-19 pandemic has caused a severely detrimental effect on the physical, psychological, and functional well-being of older adults by forcing them to limit their social activities. This study investigates the amount and intensity of daily physical activity (PA) in older adults, living under the social distancing guidelines during COVID-19 pandemic. In this cross-sectional study, 124 community-dwelling older adults (Age:60–96 years, mean:75±7.14) were recruited via word-of–mouth and key person approach between March 2021-August 2021. Participants completed an online survey on COVID-19 questionnaires and wore an ActiGraph GT9X accelerometer on their non-dominant wrist for consecutive 7 days in free-living conditions. Euclidean Norm Minus One cut-points were used to estimate the total time spent in sedentary behavior (SB), light PA (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). Results showed that, 7% had COVID-positive, 55% perceived moderate severity of COVID in their area, 31% reported fear of COVID, and 14.5% were afraid of losing their life to COVID. On average, participants obtained 12.43±2.1 hours/day of SB, 3.47±1.05 hours/day of LPA and 42.71±29.71 minutes/day of MVPA. MVPA minutes/day was significantly higher (P = 0.006) in participants aged 60-85 years than those aged 85+ years (45.38 minutes/day vs 14.25 minutes/day). When age-adjusted data was compared to pre-COVID-19 studies, we found COVID-19 pandemic had negatively impacted the physical activity level in older adults (29.33% decrease in MVPA and 39.2% increase in SB). These findings can be useful in developing guidelines and/or interventions to promote physical activity and healthy aging among older adults, particularly those in social isolation.

scholarly journals Evacuating People and Their Pets: Older Floridians’ Need for and Proximity to Pet-Friendly Shelters

2017 ◽  
Vol 74 (6) ◽  
pp. 1032-1040 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Douglas ◽  
Ayberk Kocatepe ◽  
Anne E Barrett ◽  
Eren Erman Ozguven ◽  
Clayton Gumber
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Shortest Paths ◽  
Time Factors ◽  
Pet Ownership ◽  
Populated Area ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Hurricane Season

Abstract Objectives Pets influence evacuation decisions, but little is known about pet-friendly emergency shelters’ availability or older adults’ need for them. Our study addresses this issue, focusing on the most densely populated area of Florida (Miami-Dade)—the state with the oldest population and greatest hurricane susceptibility. Method We use Geographic Information Systems (GIS)–based methodology to identify the shortest paths to pet-friendly shelters, based on distance and congested and uncongested travel times—taking into account the older population’s spatial distribution. Logistic regression models using the 2013 American Housing Survey’s Disaster Planning Module examine anticipated shelter use as a function of pet ownership and requiring pet evacuation assistance. Results Thirty-four percent of older adults in the Miami-Dade area have pets—35% of whom report needing pet evacuation assistance. However, GIS accessibility measures show that travel time factors are likely to impede older adults’ use of the area’s few pet-friendly shelters. Logistic regression results reveal that pet owners are less likely to report anticipating shelter use; however, the opposite holds for pet owners reporting they would need help evacuating their pets—they anticipate using shelters. Discussion High pet shelter need coupled with low availability exacerbates older adults’ heightened vulnerability during Florida’s hurricane season.

scholarly journals PETS PROVIDE SIGNIFICANT SUPPORT TO OLDER ADULTS LIVING ALONE: RESULTS FROM THE NATIONAL POLL ON HEALTHY AGING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S53-S53
Author(s):  
Cathleen M Connell ◽  
Erica Solway ◽  
Preeti Malani ◽  
Dianne Singer ◽  
Matthias Kirch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Emotional Symptoms ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
National Poll

Abstract Human-animal interaction has been linked to health and social benefits for older adults. While pets can play a positive role in healthy aging, not all pet owners experience the same benefits. The present study uses data on how pets impact the well-being of older adults, including those living alone from the National Poll on Healthy Aging (NPHA), a nationally representative household survey conducted in October 2018. A randomly selected, stratified sample of adults age 50 to 80 (n=2,051) completed the survey online. Over half reported having a pet; the majority had dogs (70%) and cats (50%). Companionship was the main reason for getting a pet (52%); the majority believed their pets helped them enjoy life, reduce stress, and connect with others. Pet owners living alone were significantly more likely than pet owners living with others to report that their pet helps them cope with physical or emotional symptoms (72% vs. 58%), feel loved (94% vs. 85%), stick to a routine (76% vs. 60%), take their mind off pain (43% vs. 32%), and have a sense of purpose (82% vs. 72%; all p<.05). Respondents living alone were also more likely to report that pet care strains their budget (26% vs. 17%) and that their pet’s needs take priority over their own (22% vs. 14%; p<.05). Given the important role that pets play in the lives of older adults, efforts to support this relationship (e.g., pet-friendly housing policies, low-cost and mobile veterinary clinics, pet walking and pet sitting services) are warranted.

scholarly journals Associations of Pet Ownership with Older Adults Eating Patterns and Health

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roschelle Heuberger
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Pet Ownership ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Gender And Education ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Dog Owners

Pet ownership has been shown to improve quality of life for older adults. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to compare older pet owners and older non-pet owners and assess differences between groups. This study was conducted on adults over 50 years of age, who owned either one cat or one dog versus nonowners based on age, race, gender, and education. Matched older pet owners (OPO) versus non-pet owners (NPO) pairs (n=84), older cat owners (OCO) versus non-cat owners (NCO) (n=29), and older dog owners (ODO) versus non-dog owners (NDO) pairs (n=55) were analyzed. No differences were found between OPO and NPO for dietary, activity, or lifestyle, except OPO had fewer health conditions [p<0.03]. Total OCO had greater body mass indices [BMI] (μ=29.6±8.2) than ODO (μ=23.2±5.2) [p<0.02], less activity [p<0.02], and shorter duration of activity [p<0.05] and took fewer supplements [p<0.003]. OCO and NCO differed on health conditions (μ=0.8±0.9versusμ=1.9±1.3, [p<0.008]) and ODO versus NDO differed on BMI (μ=25±4versusμ=27±6, [p<0.04]). Although there are limitations to this study, data may be useful for targeting marketing and health messages to older persons.

scholarly journals Exotic pets in Ireland: 1. Prevalence of ownership and access to veterinary services

2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matt Goins ◽  
Alison J. Hanlon
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Standards Of Care ◽  
Pet Ownership ◽  
Veterinary Services ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
University College ◽  
Level Institution ◽  
Exotic Pets

Abstract Background There has been increasing concern expressed about the welfare of exotic pets worldwide. For the purposes of this article, an exotic pet is considered to be a non-domesticated species, where there are knowledge gaps on good practice (minimum standards of care), veterinary diagnostics and treatments. The categories of exotic pets included in this study were: small mammals (< 20 kg), large mammals (> 20 kg), birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. Dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, mice, rats, and ferrets were excluded from the study. An online survey of pet owning staff at University College Dublin was conducted between July and August 2020 to provide the first empirical data for Ireland. In this pilot study (the first in this thematic series) we aim to characterise exotic pet ownership, the challenges and benefits of keeping exotic pets, and access to veterinary services from the pet owner’s perspective. Results Using an online survey this pilot study gathered evidence from 83 domestic and 32 exotic pet owners within the staff (n = ~ 3600 FTE) at University College Dublin, the largest third level institution in Ireland. The prevalence of exotic pet ownership was determined to be 34.4 % of households with more than 10 % of pet owning households owning only exotic pets. Fish (n = 15), reptiles (n = 13) and birds (n = 8) were the most common types of exotic pets. Thirty-four per cent of exotic pet owners never sought veterinary services, the most common reasons were due to lack of local veterinary specialists (n = 10) and good owner knowledge (n = 8). However identifying appropriate guidance on the animals’ needs was a common challenge for exotic pet owners (n = 13). A reasonable monthly cost of caring for an exotic ranged from €20–180, depending on the species. Conclusions This pilot study contains important implications for veterinary education to support the veterinary community with providing services to the exotic pet owning community. Policy issues with exotic pet ownership also need to be considered and further research into the proposed strategies to support the health and welfare of exotic pets should be carried out such as the introduction of white lists and guidelines on responsible pet ownership.

scholarly journals Non-Response to Population Aging in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Survey of Gerontology Scholars

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 832-832
Author(s):  
Margaret Adamek ◽  
Messay Kotecho ◽  
Samson Chane ◽  
Getachew Gebeyaw
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Population Aging ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Demographic Shift ◽  
Aging Research ◽  
Term Care ◽  
International Partnerships ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Life expectancy is increasing globally, with the biggest gains expected in sub-Saharan Africa. In fact, most of the population growth globally in the next few decades will occur in sub-Saharan Africa. Using an online survey we investigated the perspectives of gerontology scholars on the challenges of aging in sub-Saharan Africa as well as the assets of elders. Respondents (n=72) from 17 countries, primarily in Africa, and representing 16 disciplines, identified the top issues facing African elders as: poverty, lack of trained professionals, food insecurity, disability/health issues, and long-term care. Older adults’ unique strengths were noted as indigenous knowledge systems, being holders of cultural heritage, and their contributions to development. Respondents’ biggest concerns about older adults in sub-Saharan Africa were the lack of government attention to aging issues (63%) and a lack of social services targeted to elders’ needs (57%). Government funding (77.8%) and international partnerships (38.9%) were noted as resources needed to support aging research in sub-Saharan Africa. The response or non-response of governments in sub-Saharan Africa will determine whether the growing number of older adults will increasingly experience unmet needs and whether their assets will be considered in development efforts. Establishing professional networks of gerontology scholars in the region will help to document the challenges faced by elders, to plan for the coming demographic shift, and to empower elders to thrive as valued community members.

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