Relationship between Pets' Possession and Psychological, Physical and general wellbeing of Community dwelling older adults

Background: Retirement, reduced income, decrease in social networks, changes in lifestyle, 
relocation, and decline in health and physical strength all constitute threats to the psychological, 
physical and general wellbeing of older adults. Pet possession is a way to maintain elders'
independence, social involvement, and psychological, physical and mental wellbeing. Objectives: 
this study aims to identify the relationship between pets҆ possession and psychological physical and 
general wellbeing of community dwelling older adults. Setting: the study was carried out in three of 
private and two of governmental veterinarian clinics. Subjects: the study subjects included 60 older 
adults owing a pet at home; age 60 yrs and above, able to communicate effectively. Tools: three 
tools were used to collect the data: Socio- demographic and clinical data, Adult Wellbeing 
Assessment tool, Physical and psychological well-being scale (PWB). Results: A significant relation 
between pets҆ possession and psychological, physical and general wellbeing was observed.
Conclusion: older adults who possesses pet at home show a high degree of psychological, physical 
and general wellbeing. Recommendations: encourage older adults particularly those living alone to 
possess pet at home as this will help to improve their psychological, physical and general wellbeing.