Lifesaving in Every Way: The Role of Companion Animals in the Lives of Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Adults Age 50 and Over

Abstract

This study uses mixed-methods data and a life-course perspective to explore the role of pets in the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults age 50 and over and addresses the following research questions: (1) How does having a pet relate to perceived social support and social network size? and (2) how do LGBT older adults describe the meaning of pets in their lives? The qualitative data (N = 59) were collected from face-to-face interviews, and the quantitative data (N = 2,560) were collected via surveys from a sample across the United States. Qualitative findings show that pets are characterized as kin and companions and provide support; we also explore why participants do not have pets. The quantitative findings show that LGBT older adults with a pet had higher perceived social support; those with a disability and limited social network size, who had a pet had significantly higher perceived social support than those without a pet.

The Moderating Effect of Comfort from Companion Animals and Social Support on the Relationship between Microaggressions and Mental Health in LGBTQ+ Emerging Adults

“…Several qualitative studies have investigated the impact of pet ownership among LGBTQ+ older adult samples and provide evidence that companion animals serve as sources of unconditional love, emotional comfort, and belongingness [45][46][47]. A quantitative study conducted by Muraco et al [48] found that pet-owning LGBTQ+ older adults reported significantly higher perceived social support than LGBTQ+ older adults without pets. However, less is known about the role of companion animals in the lives of younger LGBTQ+ populations and the potential protective impact of relationships with companion animals on experiences of LGBTQ-related stressors.…”

Canadians Who Care: Social Networks and Informal Caregiving Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Older Adults in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

“…Our results highlighted that sexual minority women were more likely report pet ownership. Muraco et al. (2018) suggested that women might be more likely to be pet owners due to a greater need for companionship and for support during difficult life events.…”

“…Engagement with social care networks (i.e., webs of individuals providing emotional and physical assistance; Hughes & Kentlyn, 2011) has also been shown to play a role in promoting positive aging experiences for LGBTQ+ older adults (Erosheva, Kim, Emlet, & Fredriksen-Goldsen, 2016). Recent data also highlight the importance of companion animals, such that LGBTQ+ older adults who own companion animals show high levels of perceived social support (Muraco, Putney, Shiu, & Fredriksen-Goldsen, 2018).…”

It’s raining cats, dogs and diapers! The intersections of rising pet ownership and LGBTQ+ coupledom

“…There is also growing appreciation of the ways that human-animal relations can have profound benefits to older people's health and wellbeing (Gee and Mueller, 2019). For older LGBTQ people, they can provide nonjudgemental attachment that helps to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation (Muraco et al, 2018).…”