The Livable Communities Team at AARP released a collection of resources and articles that support older adults and their pets.

Examples from Vermont, Minnesota, Ohio, Florida and California show a number of age-friendly programs that provide care exercise and food for pets and their owners. Other examples, listed below, talk about placemaking for older adults and pets.

• Parks for People and Pups of All Ages

• Dog Park Details and Design

• A Paw Park on the Prairie

The physical, psychological and social benefits of having a pet is well-documented, and the benefits are especially impactful for older adults. AARP also listed resources that support the benefits of pet ownership, which may be helpful to age-friendly community partners:

• Pet Ownership May Delay Cognitive Decline in Older Adults (AARP)

• 7 Ways a Dog Can Be Good for You (AARP)

• Sharing Your Home with a Pet Is Also Good for Your Health (AARP)

• Pet Ownership and Maintenance of Physical Function in Older Adults (Innovation in Aging)

• The Effects of Human-Animal Interactions on Health and Well-Being of Older Adults (BioMed Central Geriatrics)