HABRI-funded Study Provides Evidence Supporting Participation in Cat-Fostering Program for Improvements in Mental Health Among Older Adults
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) introduced the outcomes of a HABRI-funded feasibility research that means fostering a shelter cat could contribute to assuaging loneliness and enhancing psychological well being in older adults residing independently alone. This research, printed within the Journals of Gerontology, Series B, was performed by researchers on the University of Georgia and Brenau University.
The analysis workforce, led by Dr. Sherry Sanderson, DVM, PhD, Associate Professor within the Department of Biomedical Sciences on the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, explored the influence of fostering a shelter cat on loneliness and well-being in older adults residing alone. The analysis additionally investigated whether or not these older adults would specific curiosity in adopting their foster cat after widespread boundaries, reminiscent of access to veterinary care, had been eliminated.
“The sick results of loneliness and social isolation, significantly for older adults, are well-documented, and extra methods are wanted to enhance well being outcomes for this inhabitants,” stated Dr. Don Scott, MD, MHS, Campus Director of Geriatrics and Palliative Care and Associate Professor of Medicine at August University-University of Georgia Medical Partnership, and co-investigator on this analysis mission. “This mission reveals that fostering cats could make a measurable distinction within the lives of older adults residing alone.”
“Our outcomes present that by eradicating some perceived boundaries to pet possession, together with pet deposit charges, pet adoption charges, pet care provides and veterinary help, we cannot solely assist older adults dwell more healthy, happier lives however we will additionally spur the fostering and adoption of shelter cats into loving houses,” added Dr. Sanderson.
Study individuals had been recruited by in-person shows and flyers posted at The Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA), regional group organizations, senior residing amenities and native and regional publications. Participants accomplished well being surveys earlier than placement with cats and accomplished follow-up surveys at 1-month, 4-months, and 12-months post-adoption. Participants got provides to make sure they might look after the cat at some point of the research and acquired month-to-month check-ins and veterinary care to make sure human and feline individuals remained in good well being. Assistance to the research individuals included cat meals, litter and provides offered by Nestle Purina Pet Care. All cats had been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed and handled for fleas and microchipped earlier than getting into the research. Shelter cats had been offered from both the Athens Area Humane Society or Campus Cats Rescue.
Findings from this feasibility research reveal that when adjusted for bodily well being, loneliness scores had been noticed to considerably lower on the 4-month mark after the cat fostering started. An analogous 4-month enchancment that approached statistical significance was noticed for psychological well being. Almost all (95.7%) of research individuals determined to undertake their foster cat on the completion of the research. At the 12-month follow-up, loneliness scores had been not statistically vital. It is theorized that the 12-month follow-up outcomes had been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a considerable proportion of older adults experiencing elevated ranges of loneliness and social isolation throughout that point.
“HABRI is proud to help this first-of-its-kind analysis which offers promising proof {that a} cat fostering program for older adults has the potential to create a long-lasting human-animal bond that advantages each human and cat well being,” stated Steven Feldman, President, HABRI. “We’re grateful for the tireless efforts of Dr. Sanderson and her analysis workforce who confronted vital challenges in finishing this necessary mission throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Citation: Sanderson, S. L., Emerson, Okay. G., Scott, D. W., Vidrine, M., Hartzell, D. L., & Keys, D. A. (2023). The Impact of Cat Fostering on Older Adult Well-Being and Loneliness: A Feasibility Study. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, gbad140.
About HABRI
HABRI is a not-for-profit organization that funds modern scientific analysis to doc the well being advantages of companion animals; educates the general public about human-animal bond analysis; and advocates for the helpful position of companion animals in society. For extra info, please go to http://www.habri.org.
About University of Georgia
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public greater training in America—launching our nation’s nice custom of world-class public training. What started as a dedication to encourage the following era grows stronger in the present day by international analysis, hands-on studying and intensive outreach. A prime worth in public greater training, Georgia’s flagship college thrives in a group that mixes a culture-rich faculty city with a robust financial heart.
Media Contact
Hayley Maynard, Human Animal Bond Research Institute, (614) 532-5279, [email protected], www.HABRI.org
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SOURCE Human Animal Bond Research Institute
