A review of animal-assisted therapy for older adults in Korea: effects on depression and cognitive function and...

This review aimed to identify effective animal-assisted therapy (AAT) programs for older adults and to evaluate their practical and policy applications by analyzing assessment tools for depression and cognitive function. Korea became a super-aged society in 2025, with individuals aged 65 years and older accounting for more than 20% of the population. Mental health problems, including cognitive decline, depression, and dementia, have emerged as major social challenges. In response, AAT is increasingly used as a preventive and therapeutic intervention. Canine-assisted AAT reduced depression by promoting emotional bonding, social interaction, and physical activity. It also enhanced emotional stability by increasing oxytocin levels. In addition, AAT improved cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and language ability, even in older adults with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Assessment tools including the mini-mental state examination, montreal cognitive assessment, Addenbrooke's cognitive examination III, and geriatric depression scale-Korean version have been widely used to measure these changes. Overall, AAT is an effective non-pharmacological intervention that improves cognitive, emotional, and social functions in older adults. Therefore, these findings support its preventive and clinical applications.