Pets Alleviate Loneliness in Young and Elderly

A groundbreaking pilot program has showcased the potential of pets to alleviate feelings of loneliness and social isolation among at-risk groups, specifically targeting young adults and seniors. This initiative, known as the Pets and People Program, was co-designed by researchers from Monash University and involved partnerships with two aged care providers in Victoria, Australia.

Background: Understanding Social Isolation

Social isolation can have profound effects on both physical and mental health, particularly in vulnerable populations. Individuals experiencing social isolation report a diminished sense of belonging and connectedness, which may contribute to:

• Increased risk of cognitive decline: The absence of stimulating social interactions is linked to faster cognitive deterioration.
• Physical health complications: Loneliness is associated with various health issues, including heart disease and weakened immune system responses.
• Emotional distress: Feelings of loneliness can lead to heightened rates of depression and anxiety.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, rendering the need for effective interventions more critical than ever.

Program Overview

The Pets and People Program sought to bridge the gap between older adults residing in aged care facilities and young adults, notably international students from Monash University. Conducted over 18 weeks, the program included:

• Weekly face-to-face meetings for one hour between participants.
• Engagement in animal-focused leisure activities, such as arts and crafts, animal bingo, and singing.
• Interaction with both robotic and live pets, promoting comforting and stimulating interactions.

A total of 30 older adults and 11 university students participated, facilitating unique inter-generational exchanges enriched by shared experiences with animals.

Evaluation and Findings

The evaluation involved detailed assessments through surveys and semi-structured interviews before and after program completion. Notable findings included:

Dr. Em Bould remarked, "The presence of live pets significantly helped in breaking the ice and facilitated meaningful conversations between participants, leading to a notable decrease in feelings of loneliness."

Cost-Utility Analysis

In addition to the positive health outcomes, the cost-effectiveness of the program was also evaluated:

This cost-utility analysis finds that the Pets and People program operates well below the Australian Government's threshold of $28,000 per QALY, indicating substantial value for investment.

Future Considerations

Given the successes evidenced by the pilot, the program shows promise for broader implementation. Dr. Bould collaborated with Fronditha Care to expand the program across five aged care facilities, emphasizing:

• The potential of pet interaction to enhance mental health.
• The creation of joyful experiences that combat loneliness.
• Opportunities for replicating this model in diverse aged care settings globally.

Faye Spiteri OAM, CEO of Fronditha Care, expressed, "We understand the importance of a program like this in creating opportunities for our elders to experience the joy that pets bring." An older participant noted, "I was lonely, so the program has perked me up; I feel like I have made some friends."

Conclusion

The findings from the Pets and People Program underscore the effectiveness of animal-assisted activities in fostering human connections, particularly in mitigating feelings of loneliness and enhancing well-being among at-risk groups. As the program evolves, further research will be essential to optimize its framework and implement it globally.

References

Em Bould et al, "Pilot of an animal-assisted activity program to support intergenerational and intercultural community connections to reduce loneliness and social isolation," _Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice_, 2025. Link to Source