Pets and Seniors Report for Philly
The North Bowl event to help homebound seniors support their pets went really well! At the event, we also released a new PCA research and planning report on why we need to support seniors and their pets. The report has data that was collected from seniors by the Public Health Management Corporation in 2010 about their pets. Also – it suggests ways that organizations can start programs to support seniors and their furry companions, something that doesn’t really exist here in Philly (yet!!). Congratulations GenPhilly members for catalyzing this effort – it is making a big difference!
A glimpse into the report:
Pet ownership among seniors in Philadelphia has important implications for social service providers, other support networks (friends, family, etc.), and medical professionals who wish to help seniors to remain independent and healthy in their homes for as long as possible. Recent analyses by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, the Area Agency on Aging for Philadelphia, show that 33% of all seniors age 60+ in Philadelphia have a pet, representing over 95,000 households. Interestingly enough, 40% have a cat, 38% have a dog, and 22% have a have a combination of species (both cats and dogs or other kinds of pets). Pet ownership climbs to 40% among those age 60-74. These findings are significant, for they show that pets are often found in the homes of seniors, many of whom have difficulties in maintaining them.
Philly Pets and Seniors 2012 Report: http://phillypetsandseniors.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/support-older-adults-and-their-pets-july-2012-final1.pdf
Kate Clark, M.P.A
Planner //Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
Chair // GenPhilly, emerging leaders promoting an age-friendly city
P. 215.765.9000 x 5072 // F. 215.765.9066
642 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130
