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Proof Paws-itive
By Rebecca Johnson, Ph.D., RN
November 12, 2002
The human-animal bond has been defined as
attachment and interdependence between animals and their owners, positively
affecting both. However, the bond also can develop when animals are used in
therapeutic interventions. Recent research documents what was previously
identified only through casual observation; when people (especially older
adults) interact with animals, positive outcomes often result. These outcomes
are physiological, emotional and spiritual.
Studies have shown
that:
- After 15 minutes of humans quietly petting their
dog, both the humans and the dogs had increased blood levels of
phenylethylamine, "an opiod-like brain chemical," endorphin, "the
runner's high" hormone, prolactin, "the bonding" hormone and oxytocin,
"the happiness hormone"
- Older pet owners had lower systolic blood
pressure, triglyceride and cholesterol levels
- Pet ownership blunted blood pressure responses to
stress better than ACE inhibitors in aging, hypertensive stockbrokers
- Pets provided unconditional companionship and
affection for nursing home residents
- Watching fish swimming in an aquarium during
mealtimes helped nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease sit
longer and eat more
- Older Hispanic adults described their dogs as
their "best friends" and reasons for getting up in the morning, that
understood when they were feeling bad and tried to comfort them
- Pet owners had significantly longer one-year
survival postdischarge from a CCU despite age and severity of illness
- Dog owners walked longer and had lower
triglyceride levels than non-dog owners
- Older adults described their pets as fun,
relaxing and dependent, like their "own children"
- Having a pet in the nursing home improved older
adults' social interaction and self-concept
- Stronger pet attachment was related to decreased
depression, especially in bereaved elders
- Pet ownership influenced health indirectly
through improving morale
- Many hospitals and nursing homes in the United
States allow patients to be visited by their own pets and also have
therapy animal visitation programs
This information
can help nurses to know that pets may be important to older adult patients. The
research shows the benefits of interacting with pets. Here's another way that
nursing can make a difference.
Source:
http://www.nursingexcellence.com/news/features/02-11/paws.asp
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