Pet Play and Socialization in Aging Communities - Exploring Engagement, Satisfaction, and Age Differences

Sep 29, 2026

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Pet play may strengthen socialization among older adults by fostering satisfying interpersonal exchanges and reinforcing human connection through animal companionship. Using data from the General Social Survey (2018; N=239, ages 55+), an ordinal logistic regression assessed the relationship between hours spent playing with pets and social satisfaction while controlling for demographic and socioeconomic factors. Results show a positive association with social satisfaction (β=0.16, p=0.01) and suggest stronger effects for the youngest-old.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Pet Play and Socialization in Aging Communities

Theoretical Foundations (Socioemotional Selectivity Theory, Biophilia Hypothesis)

Data and Methods (General Social Survey, Ordinal Logistic Regression)

Key Findings and Age Differences

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 1083 by age group (ages 55–64, 65–74, and 75+) . This analysis used the same independent, dependent, and control variables within each age subgroup (significant positive association for ages 55–64: β = 0.56, p = .005; nonsignificant for ages 65–74: β = 0.35, p = .122, and ages 75+: β = 0.11, p = .736) . Findings suggest that pet play may support socialization among older adults, particularly the youngest-old. Results have implications foraging services and future research exploring pet play’s benefits across the lifespan. Abstract citation ID: igaf122.3640 PET PLAY AND SOCIALIZATION IN AGING COMMUNITIES: EXPLORING ENGAGEMENT, SATISFACTION, AND AGE DIFFERENCES Erreannau Zellous1, and Taylor Pope2, 1. Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, United States, 2. Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States Animal companionship among older adults, including therapy and pet ownership, has been associated with improved socialization and well-being. Older adults often face a heightened risk of social isolation and loneliness, with pet interactions potentially facilitating social connection and companionship. While research links the general benefits of pet ownership, fewer studies examine how active pet engagement, such as play, relates to socialization in later life. Guided by Socioemotional Selectivity Theory, pet play may align with emotional goals by fostering satisfying interpersonal exchanges. The Biophilia Hypothesis further supports this connection, by framing pet play as a natural and rewarding form of human connection. Using data from the General Social Survey (GSS, 2018; N = 239, aged 55+), an ordinal logistic regression model examined the association between hours spent playing with pets and social satisfaction, controlling for demographic and socioeconomic factors. Pet play was positively associated with higher social satisfaction (β = 0.16, p = 0.01). To explore age differences, a second set of regressions was estimated, stratified

FAQs

How does pet play relate to socialization outcomes in older adults?

Pet play is positively associated with higher social satisfaction, indicating supportive effects for socialization in later life.

What dataset and analytic approach were used to test the relationship?

The study uses General Social Survey data from 2018 and applies an ordinal logistic regression model linking hours of pet play to social satisfaction while controlling for relevant factors.

Do effects differ across age groups?

Age-stratified regressions indicate a significant positive association for ages 55–64, while associations are not significant for ages 65–74 and 75+.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Elsa