Possible mechanisms linking pet ownership to mortality: a mediation analysis of psychosocial and health behavioural variables

Project Summary

Several studies have found that people who own pets live longer, but the mechanisms underlying this effect are not well understood. It has been suggested that owning a pet may improve psychosocial well-being (e.g., by reducing feelings of loneliness and depression) and promote healthier behaviours (e.g., increasing physical activity), which in turn can reduce stress and improve overall health. However, no studies have brought these concepts together to examine how pet ownership influences mortality risk and whether it does so through changes in psychosocial or health behavioural variables.

This study will examine whether and how pet ownership enhances longevity among middle-aged and older adults in Canada. Specifically, we will use data collected at three timepoints from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) to examine whether pets help people live longer directly, or whether they provide benefits through changes in psychosocial well-being or health behaviours.