Physical, social, and psychological characteristics of community-dwelling elderly Japanese dog and cat owners.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Previous studies examined the physical characteristics of older dog owners. However, associations of health-related factors with dog/cat ownership have not been comprehensively evaluated. This cross-sectional study examined physical function, physical activity, social function, and psychological function of a population of community-dwelling older Japanese dog and cat owners after controlling for important confounders.

Methods

The analysis included data from 11,233 community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or older (51.5% women; 52.3% aged 75-84), in Ota City, Tokyo, Japan. Pet ownership experience and pet species owned were determined by self-reported questionnaire, and current, past, and never dog/cat ownership was analyzed.

Results

Analysis of variables re

SUBMITTER: Taniguchi Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6241120 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature