This research provides an overview of the therapeutic value of pets to the elderly. A particular emphasis in this examination is placed on human animal bonding, as this bonding is valuable to the human.
SPECIAL PROBLEMS OF THE ELDERLY WHICH MAY
A deterioration in social integration characterizes a sig nificant proportion of the elderly population. Effects of such deterioration are often manifested in both physiological and psychological problems. In many instances, however, the phy siological problems either disappear or are ameliorated when the psychological problems are treated successfully (Kaplan, & Sadock, 1985). Research has demonstrated that the therapeutic use of pets is often beneficial in treating psychological prob lems in the elderly (Hendy, 1987).
Social integration refers to the "actual empirical study of the integration of older people into society in its many forms, and the ameliorative strategies designed to enhance or facilitate social integration" (Unruh, 1983, p. 22). It is said that "the integration of individuals into their society results from forces which place them within the system and 1
2govern their participation and patterned associations with others" (Rossow, 1967, p. 9). Social values, group member ships, and social roles are "conceived as the axes providing the ties that structure social interaction, place the person in society, and order relations with others. In effect, actors are integrated into society through the beliefs they hold, the positions they occupy, and the groups to which they belong" (Unruh, 1983, p. 22).
With respect to older adults, one assumption holds that people are well integrated in their middle years, and become less so as they age. Thus, it is thought that satisfactory social integration "might be maintained to the extent that middle age patterns are preserved in . . . advancing age" (Unruh, 1983, p. 22).
Maintaining middle age patte...