How Growing Older with Their 'Best Friend' Changes Older Adult Men’s Perspectives on Aging
2024

How Growing Older with Dogs Changes Men's Views on Aging

publication

Author Information

Author(s): Mueller Ranell

Primary Institution: Flathead Valley Community College

Hypothesis

How does growing older alongside companion dogs affect older adult men's perspectives on aging?

Conclusion

Caring for aging dogs helps older men develop empathy for themselves and others regarding the aging process.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study revealed that older men felt empathy for their aging dogs.
  • This empathy translated to a greater understanding of their own aging process.
  • Men expressed feelings of grace towards themselves and their aging dogs.

Takeaway

When older men take care of their aging dogs, they start to understand and feel better about getting older themselves.

Methodology

Qualitative research methods including individual interviews and panel discussions.

Participant Demographics

Older adult men.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3275

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