PETS AND ELDERLY PEOPLE: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

This article sought to review the relationship between elderly people and companion animals. The bibliographic research, conducted on the Scielo, PubMed and Google Scholar platforms, reveals that living with pets can provide a more satisfying life for elderly people, contributing to social and emotional support, in addition to improving well-being, self-esteem, increasing the sense of responsibility and encouraging physical activity. However, there are gaps in knowledge about the interaction between elderly people and companion animals, such as the lack of data on the time spent together and the absence of an interdisciplinary approach, especially in the Brazilian context. Although some studies show benefits, there are also challenges, such as the financial and emotional responsibility for caringfor animals. However, these people face difficulties in meeting the needs of animals mainly due to financial limitations. The conclusion points to the need for more studies and public policies that consider the well-being of both elderly people and animals, ensuring that the relationship between them is balanced and beneficial for both.