Dog Park Membership and Life Satisfaction Among Older Adults

Dog park members initially join and attend dog parks for the wellbeing of their dogs, but often experience their own biopsychosocial benefits. This mixed methodology (Quantitative n=44, Qualitative n=11) ) pilot study utilized qualitative heuristic interviewing (Moustakas, C., 1990) and the Satisfaction with Life Survey (Pavot, W., & Diener, E. 2013). Data gathered from interviews and surveys administered to participants of a members-only dog-park indicate a high satisfaction with life. Members 60 years and older reported feelings of life satisfaction almost 7 points over the total respondent average, placing them in the “highly satisfied” range. All members experience the dog-park as a supportive social environment that benefits their physical health, mental health and the well-being of their canine companions. Five qualitative themes were identified: Canine Well-being, Community, Mental Health Benefits, Physical Health Benefits and Fights, Falls & Frustrations. These findings demonstrate the need for more research into the impact and importance of pet ownership, community dog parks and outdoor green spaces on older adults and life satisfaction.