Walk a hound, lose a pound, and stay fit for older adults : a secondary data
Abstract
Physical inactivity in the older adult population contributes to a decreased quality of life and complications from many co-morbidities. The need is to encourage older adults to engage in more physical activity. Dog walking is an activity that is easy to do, inexpensive, and can be done anywhere. This was a secondary analysis of a 12-week quasi-experimental study of older adults residing in three separate assisted living facilities. There were three groups: one that walked with shelter dogs (DW), one that walked with a human companion (HW), and a control group (C). The first aim was to explore dog walking and the older adult through a quantitative lens. The second aim examined dog walking and the older adult through a qualitative approach. Statistical difference was found in overall total program walking distance in feet in DW (M=112,429.12, SD=89,796.47) compared to HW (M=50,863.35, SD=41,859.38) f (1,33)=7.75, p=0.01, with an effect size of Eta2=0.19. Additionally, statistical significance in overall total walking time in minutes was found in DW (M=1,480.69, SD=583.94) compared to HW (M=742.87, SD=452.21) f (1,33)=17.17, p=0.00, with an effect size of Eta2=0.34. Aim Two outcomes were that the experiences with the walking companion were overall positive, and the participants expressed joy in interaction with both the dog and human companion. The only negative feedback with walking partners were that the HW group expressed dissatisfaction when their walking partner did not want to walk. This could be because humans can be unreliable, whereas dogs might not. In response to the program, both groups expressed that the program itself added to the overall motivation to continue walking. This study has addressed the many benefits of older adults engaging in a more active lifestyle. Ideally, dog walking in older adults may motivate older adults to engage in a more active lifestyle.
Degree
Ph. D.