伴侣动物与老年人的健康 Executive Summary This review synthesises a wide body of literature concerning research into companion animals and the health of older persons. It is informed by a widely-held conviction among investigators that this research field has important implications for the future of societies and individuals. The human subjects of the research studies include older persons living independently and those in long-term care facilities， incorporating dementia sufferers and those with a psychiatric illness. Research foci include the physical， mental， emotional and social health of older people， as well as the role of animals in older people's perceptions of inclusion in their community， and the economic impact of animals interacting with older citizens. The animals used in these studies range from domestic pets （most commonly dogs and cats but including other mammals as well as aquatic life and birds） to those introduced into residential care facilities for animal- assisted activities or therapy. The studies are of definitively narrow scope or in the nature of a meta-analysis or review of current literature for the chosen research focus， such as dementia and depression. Researchers in this field have found a significant number of positive indicators for benefits to humans brought about by contact with animals， which are summarised in this review. 【更多详情，请下载：伴侣动物与老年人的健康】