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01-12-2011 | Review

Elderly people in many respects benefit from interaction with dogs

Authors: R Scheibeck, M Pallauf, C Stellwag, B Seeberger

Published in: European Journal of Medical Research | Issue 12/2011

Abstract

Over the course of evolution, humans and animals have entered into a close relationship. By domesticating animals, humans were able to use them to their own advantage. However, animals should not only be seen as mere providers of material value; in fact, they actually enrich humans' lives on an emotional level. The classic examples for this evolution are dogs: they are considered loyal companions, particularly for children and elderly people. This relationship between humans and animals is the subject of this research study and is examined from a gerontological perspective by employing qualitative social research methods. Conclusion: The results of the study reveal the manifold meanings that pets - in particular dogs - can and do have to the elderly. At this point, it should also be noted that there is still a strong need for further research into this topic from a gerontological perspective.

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Title: Elderly people in many respects benefit from interaction with dogs
Authors: R Scheibeck
M Pallauf
C Stellwag
B Seeberger
Publication date: 01-12-2011
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: European Journal of Medical Research / Issue 12/2011
Electronic ISSN: 2047-783X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/2047-783X-16-12-557

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Elderly people in many respects benefit from interaction with dogs

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