Animal-assisted intervention for geriatric well-being: A comprehensive review

Background. In recent years, the size of geriatric population seems to have grown larger than that of younger children and is expected to grow even larger in few years from now. As older individuals are more vulnerable to health concerns and loneliness, it is necessary to focus on providing them opportunities for healthy ageing. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has emerged as one of the simple yet effective approach to enhance physical, psychological, and social well-being in older adults. Methods. This review article presents collective information from various experiments on AAT’s effectiveness in promoting healthy ageing. Results. The physiological impacts of AAT, on cardiovascular health, mobility, and day to day activities have been discussed. The psychological benefits of AAT, such as improvement of mood, cognition, and alleviation of anxiety, loneliness, and depression, are explored. This review also presents the possible mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of AAT, such as release of oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins, which contribute to emotional well-being along with reduction of stress. The human-animal bond established during AAT sessions is discussed as a significant factor in promoting positive outcomes. Challenges faced and limitations involved in employing therapy animals within ageing populations are also discussed. Conclusions. Avenues for future research and potential applications of AAT in diverse healthcare settings are proposed, emphasizing the need for further empirical investigation to fully elucidate the mechanisms and benefits of AAT for healthy ageing. Through this comprehensive review, we aim to highlight the potential of AAT as a holistic intervention to enhance the well-being of older adults, providing valuable insights for healthcare practitioners, researchers, and policymakers invested in promoting healthy ageing strategies.