New Directions: Challenges for Human-Animal Bond Research and the Elderly

Abstract

The potential health effect of the human-animal bond has been explored for over 15 years with limited success. Professionals from a variety of fields have examined the benefits a companion animal can provide for persons with special needs. We examined the research related to human-animal interactions and the community- based elderly. We reviewed recommendations from the 1984 Delta Society conference related to research endeavors in terms of the elderly population and proposed a theoretical approach for future research to evaluate the effect of the human-animal interaction in terms of life course development and perception of health and pet ownership.