Dataset and codes for "Direct and indirect effects of pets on the health of older adults"

Dataset, codes and supplementary material for "Direct and indirect effects of pets on the health of older adults"

Life expectancy emphasizes the importance of adapting to and adopting new measures that will benefit healthy aging. A promising lead is the potential benefits of pets for older adults in their homes. This  study aimed to test the influence of socio-demographic and environmental factors on the presence of dogs and cats around older adults. The direct and indirect effects of pets, using sociality and mobility factors, were tested on health variables. The social cohesion of a community and type of dwelling appeared to be related to the presence of pets. In addition, the results showed mixed effects of pets, namely a positive influence on mental health via the social network of older adults, and a negative influence in the form creation of a certain stress. In general, the effects of pets on the lives of older adults constitute an important research framework to pursue in the context of healthy aging.