Aging with Animals: A Conversation with Dr. Stephanie LaFarge Ph.D.

Stereotypes abound when we think of elders and animals. Images of a cat resting in the lap of an old lady or a man with dementia petting a therapy dog. It feels positive, happy and benign. But there is so much more to consider. This conversation with psychologist Dr. Stephanie LaFarge will help focus on the process of aging in general, on how personal characteristics, resilience, health and past trauma can influence how we age. We will consider the layered relationships we have with animals throughout life and why meaningful community support for people and their pets is a social, medical and political challenge. This conversation includes general discussion of human and pet death and dying. Getting Real: Aging with Animals Demystified A Conversation with Dr. Stephanie LaFarge Ph.D. with Michael Kaufmann (Green Chimneys) 0:00 – Welcome & Introduction 1:10 – Dr. Stephanie LaFarge Ph.D. 6:40 – A Smooth Path to “Old” 9:30 – Aging Pets 16:02 – Roles Animals Play for the Elderly 18:35 – Downsides? 21:02 – Volunteer Training 24:32 – End of Life Companionship 30:01 – Elderly Animals & Elderly People 32:09 – Pressure with Purpose 34:45 – Retaining Gratitude in Aging From October 2023 IAHAIO Conference: Aging and Quality of Life: Active Inclusion through Animal-Assisted Services Presented by International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organization (IAHAIO) and Green Chimneys SPEAKERS: Now retired, DR. STEPHANIE LAFARGE PH.D. was Senior Director of Counseling Services at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, headquartered in New York. Dr LaFarge pioneered the use of psychological evaluation and intervention with adults and young people who engage in animal cruelty. She directs the New York City Family VISION Task Force that unites social service agencies, law enforcement and animal welfare organizations that share the goal of preventing animal violence. Dr. LaFarge was Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in Newark, NJ. She developed an innovative curriculum for the reduction of high-risk sexual behaviors. She also worked with AIDS patients, and as a bereavement specialist for children with terminal cancer. Dr. LaFarge’s work with animals includes many years or surrogate mothering two infant chimpanzees, who were taught sign language in her home. As part of the New York City 9/11 Disaster response, Dr. LaFarge coordinated the ASPCA role in facilitating the work of therapy dogs. Approximately 300 therapy dogs and their handlers volunteered over 1000 visits to various sites in NYC. Her own dog, Sophie, was an active participant. MICHAEL KAUFMANN is the Vice President of Nature Based Programs and the Sam and Myra Ross Institute at Green Chimneys, dedicated to education and research on the human connection to animals and the natural world. At Green Chimneys, he directs all aspects of the nature-based therapeutic/educational programs. His focus is on Green Care, the concept of working with animals, plants and nature to enhance human environments and lives. Website: www.greenchimneys.org/ Give: www.greenchimneys.org/give/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/greenchimneys/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/greenchimneysorg/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/greenchimneys/