ScholarWorks > HHS > Social Work > JSSW > Vol. 44 > Iss. 3 (2017)
Keywords
Companion animals, older adults, aging-in-place, community services, affordable housing
Abstract
Aging-in-place is a well-established concept, but discussions rarely consider that many older adults live with pets. In a ‘pet-friendly’ city, we conducted semi-structured interviews to explore perspectives of community-based social support agencies that promote aging-in-place, and those of animal welfare agencies. Applying a relational ecology theoretical framework, we found that pets may contribute to feeling socially- situated, yet may also exacerbate constraints on autonomy experienced by some older adults. Pet-related considerations at times led to discretionary acts of more-than-human solidarity, but also created paradoxical situations for service-providers, impacting their efforts to assist older adults. A shortage of pet-friendly affordable housing emerged as an overarching challenge. Coordination among social support and animal welfare agencies, alongside pet-supportive housing policies, will strengthen efforts to promote aging-in-place in ways that are equitable and inclusive.
Recommended Citation
Toohey, Ann M.; Hewson, Jennifer A.; Adams, Cindy L.; and Rock, Melanie J.
(2017)
"When ‘Places’ Include Pets: Broadening the Scope of Relational Approaches to Promoting Aging-in-Place,"
The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 44:
Iss.
3, Article 7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.3875
Available at:
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol44/iss3/7
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Included in
Animal Studies Commons, Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Gerontology Commons, Inequality and Stratification Commons, Social Policy Commons, Social Welfare Commons, Social Work Commons