ASSISTANCE, PLANNING, AND UNMET NEEDS: FACTORS SHAPING OLDER ADULTS’ PET CARE BEHAVIORS IN THE UNITED STATES
2024
Factors Influencing Older Adults' Pet Care Behaviors
Sample size: 1039
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Bibbo Jessica, Nicolay Sarah, Tuft Samantha
Primary Institution: Benjamin Rose, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Hypothesis
What factors shape older adults' behaviors regarding pet care in the United States?
Conclusion
Most older pet owners receive help with pet care, but some go without necessities to care for their pets.
Supporting Evidence
- 72.4% of pet owners had some type of help with pet care.
- 18.8% had gone without at least one necessity to provide for their pet.
- 23.7% had at least one plan in place for their pet.
- Larger household size was associated with having assistance.
- Lower income was associated with going without a necessity.
- Being female was associated with having at least one plan in place.
Takeaway
Older people often need help taking care of their pets, but some have to give up important things to do so.
Methodology
The study surveyed adults aged 50 and older about their pet care assistance, necessities, and planning for emergencies.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 50 and older, representative of the US household population.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=.003, p=.024, p=.026, p=.038
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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