Health Management and Policy,Faculty Results

elderly man and dog

Furry Friends Help Older Adults Cope with Health Issues, Get Active, Connect with Others

New Research from Cathleen Connell and Mary Janevic

A curled-up cat, a tail-wagging dog, a chirping parakeet or even a serene goldfish may help older adults cope with mental and physical health issues, according to a new national poll. While pets come with benefits, they can also bring concerns, and some people may even put their animals' needs ahead of their own health, the poll finds.