Critical Review of Research Methods Used to Consider the Impact of Human–Animal Interaction on Older Adults’ Health

Most research on human-animal interaction (HAI) and human health focuses on one of three perspectives: (a) health effects of pet ownership; (b) health effects of contact with a companion animal; or (c) health effects of animal-assisted interventions including animal-assisted therapies, and animal-assisted activities. We reviewed research methods used to address each perspective, within the context of human aging, and identified challenges...