Learning Center

image

Human-Animal Interaction


Human-animal interaction (HAI) has positive benefits to older adults’ physical and psychological health and quality of life. These resources promote increased awareness of the benefits of HAI and aim to advance scientific research regarding it.


  • The Role of Pets in Human Healthy Active Aging (2018)

    As research is still emerging on the benefits and challenges of animal companions in the older adult population, GSA worked with partners to stimulate scholarship and report evidence-based information on this topic. One result is an online brochure titled “The Role of Pets in Human Healthy Active Aging.” This brochure is the product of a multiyear alliance with WALTHAM/Mars Petcare to examine HAI among older adults and increase knowledge of animal-assisted interventions.

    Download
  • Journal article: "Critical Review of Research Methods Used to Consider the Impact of Human–Animal Interaction on Older Adults’ Health" (Published April 12, 2018, in The Gerontologist)

    According to Erika Friedmann, PhD, and Nancy R. Gee, PhD, most research on human-animal interaction (HAI) and human health focuses on one of three perspectives: (a) health effects of pet ownership; (b) health effects of contact with a companion animal; or (c) health effects of animal-assisted interventions including animal-assisted therapies, and animal-assisted activities. In this research article, they address the complex challenges involved in designing studies to address all three perspectives and examples of research design elements that can be used to alleviate issues raised in each type of study are provided.

    Download
  • National Institute on Aging infographic recommends ways to stay connected as you age, including adopting a pet

    As people age they often find themselves spending more time at home alone. This can affect your health and well-being. Learn if you might be at risk and how to stay connected.

    Link
  • Infographic summarizing the potential benefits of pets for older adults

    Pet assisted therapy is a broad technique that involves interaction between animals and patients to make the patient feel better. As for the benefits of pet therapy for seniors, pets provide a multitude of benefits to their companions. Examine these benefits at this webpage.

    Link
  • Advancing Research on Human-Animal Interaction in Human Aging: Executive summary of a workshop convened by GSA

    Executive summary of a workshop convened by The Gerontological Society of America, April 25–26, 2016, Washington, DC. The workgroup's objective was to develop a roadmap for future human–animal
    interaction research in an aging population. Support provided by Mars Incorporated and WALTHAM, the global scientific research center for Mars Petcare

    Download
  • Join the GSA Human-Animal Interaction Interest Group

    Brings together aging researchers in all areas to explore the full value proposition for companion animals in providing a high quality of life for older adults.

    Link