2024/05/23 by Joshua Zoanetti, Janette Young, Torben Dahl Nielsen +1 · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · #Dietary Effects on Health #Human-Animal Interaction Studies #Zoonotic diseases and public health
paper · pdf · doi:10.1080/08927936.2024.2351278
openalex publication_date 2024/05/23 · openalex created_date 2024/05/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
Research has reported on positive aspects of pet guardianship to reduce physical and mental health issues in older adults (over the age of 65 years). There is, however, a need to be cognizant of the risks that pertain to companion animal guardianship. The aim of this scoping review was to systematically identify literature regarding the risks that companion animal guardianship may pose to older adults to facilitate greater understanding and inclusion of pets in the lives of older adults. Using online databases (Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar), systematic searches were conducted. From 11,868 articles, 26 were included in the final data synthesis. The type of risk reported was categorized into three groups (zoonotic, physical, and psychological), with the worst outcomes reported being fatal, potentially fatal, and severe, respectively. Very little literature for pet species other than dogs and cats were identified. Whilst further research is required to fully quantify the risks that arise from the cohabitation of pets and older adults, there is enough evidence for older adults to be safely engaging with pets and hence continue to benefit from the human–animal bond.