University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Division
How Animal Assisted Therapy Benefits the Geriatric Population
Presenter Hometown
Marion, Virginia
Major
Therapeutic Recreation
Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Michelle Davis Gerken
Mentor Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Recommended Citation
Hall, Caitlyn L., "How Animal Assisted Therapy Benefits the Geriatric Population" (2020). University Presentation Showcase Event. 59.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2020/undergraduate/59
Abstract
The researcher explained that the purpose of research describes the benefits of animal-assisted therapy for the geriatric population. Animals can assist in creating a better quality of life for any person by increasing their emotional, physical, and mental well-being. For this research, the focus is on people who are 65 or older and exhibit some type of disability or health concern. The long running companionship between animals and humans allows for oldergenerationsto feelasense of worth or being needed without the fear of being judged by friends or family. Overall, results show that animal-assisted therapy has proven to increase participation and physical activity, as well as boost the mood and motivation of the geriatric population. Having someone, or in this case something, these clients can do things with makes it more likely for them to take part in daily activities. The most common animal used in animal-assisted therapy is the dog, however many other animals are also used as intervention companions like horses, cats, birds, pigs and fish.Theresearchexplainedhow the company of a trained animal gives geriatric clients moremotivationto doeverythingfrom cleaning or getting dressedtoplayinggamesor going outside.
Presentation format
Poster
How Animal Assisted Therapy Benefits the Geriatric Population
The researcher explained that the purpose of research describes the benefits of animal-assisted therapy for the geriatric population. Animals can assist in creating a better quality of life for any person by increasing their emotional, physical, and mental well-being. For this research, the focus is on people who are 65 or older and exhibit some type of disability or health concern. The long running companionship between animals and humans allows for oldergenerationsto feelasense of worth or being needed without the fear of being judged by friends or family. Overall, results show that animal-assisted therapy has proven to increase participation and physical activity, as well as boost the mood and motivation of the geriatric population. Having someone, or in this case something, these clients can do things with makes it more likely for them to take part in daily activities. The most common animal used in animal-assisted therapy is the dog, however many other animals are also used as intervention companions like horses, cats, birds, pigs and fish.Theresearchexplainedhow the company of a trained animal gives geriatric clients moremotivationto doeverythingfrom cleaning or getting dressedtoplayinggamesor going outside.
