Work

Pilot of an animal-assisted activity program to support intergenerational and intercultural community connections to reduce loneliness and social isolation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic challenged social support systems leading to loneliness and social isolation, particularly for older adults and international university students. This study explored the potential of using a shared interest in pets to support intergenerational and intercultural social connections, with a hypothesis that such interactions could enhance health-related quality of life and wellbeing and reduce feelings of loneliness. METHODS: The study adopted an action research approach to co-design and pilot an Animal-Assisted Activity (AAA) group intervention (called the 'Pets and People program') across two aged care facilities in Melbourne, Australia. The 18-week program was designed to facilitate social connections through the presence of live or robotic pets, and/or animal-assisted activities. The program was evaluated using mixed methods. RESULTS: Thirty older adults and 11 international students participated in the program. Six older adults, 10 international university students and three senior management staff participated in the evaluation. Both the older adult and student groups experienced a significant decrease in feelings of loneliness and a significant and clinically meaningful increase in the EQ-5D-5L utility index after program completion. The cost of implementation was $237 per person who participated in 10 weeks or more of the 18-week program. The explorative cost-utility analysis indicated a cost of $4,017 per quality adjusted life year gained, which is well below the threshold for the Australian Government's health related expenditure. CONCLUSIONS: The Pets and People program holds potential to be replicated and scaled in aged care settings both in Australia and internationally.

Source: Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice

DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.101970

Authors: Em Bould, Natasha K. Brusco, Libby Callaway

Institution: Monash University

Language: English

Topic: Human-Animal Interaction Studies

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,530