OCAD University Open Research Repository

Aging Women in Lebanon: Struggles of Pet Owners in a Collapsing Economy

Alkhouri, Lynn (2022) Aging Women in Lebanon: Struggles of Pet Owners in a Collapsing Economy. [MRP]

Item Type: MRP
Creators: Alkhouri, Lynn
Abstract:

Companion animals can enrich people’s lives in various ways. Numerous research studies have proven that pets have the ability to improve a person’s emotional wellbeing, physical health, and social lifestyle as well as reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Among the constantly rising number of people living with companion animals, older adults often tend to form deep connections with their pets and perceive them as irreplaceable family members. However pet ownership comes along with a set of responsibilities and expenses that are crucial to maintaining a healthy human-animal relationship. Following the overlap of Lebanon’s financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, aging Lebanese women have become significantly more likely to suffer from financial insecurity. In this study, seven Lebanese women were asked to participate in semi-structured interviews and co-design iterations to identify, and find a solution for, barriers they are facing as pet owners. In addition, four animal care professionals were invited to contribute as secondary participants. The results indicated that the current most common pet-care barrier for aging women in Lebanon is the lack of funds to support their animals. Findings also support previous research claims revolving around human-animal relationships, family-centered Lebanese community values, and how the crises in the country have affected people’s daily lives.

Date: September 2022
Uncontrolled Keywords: human-animal bond; companion animals; aging women; Lebanon; pet ownership barriers
Divisions: Graduate Studies > Inclusive Design
Date Deposited: 19 Sep 2022 23:05
Last Modified: 19 Sep 2022 23:05
URI: https://openresearch.ocadu.ca/id/eprint/3943

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