According to research, the risk of cognitive decline can be improved by spending time with a dog or cat. Up to two-thirds of dog owners report health benefits even from just walking their pets.
Owning a dog or cat can bring endless joy and cherished companionship. Additionally, studies show that even simple activities like walking your pet can significantly slow the rate of cognitive decline as you age.
All of us can experience a decline in cognitive abilities such as learning, thinking, problem-solving, memory, and reasoning over time, even without suffering from dementia.
Cognitive decline tends to be slower in pet owners. (Illustrative photo: One Point Medical).
However, this is not the case for everyone. The ability to maintain cognitive function in older age has raised questions among researchers: do these benefits stem from the care and companionship provided by pets?
A research team from the University of Maryland in the U.S. surveyed 637 individuals aged between 51 and 101 years. One-third of the survey participants owned pets, with 11% owning cats and 13% owning dogs.
The analysis revealed that over more than a decade, cognitive abilities showed signs of decline in all survey participants as they aged.
However, those who owned pets tended to experience a slower rate of decline. The study found that simple activities like walking pets also contribute to slowing cognitive decline.
“The current study provides important evidence on how pet ownership positively impacts the maintenance of cognitive function in older adults,” the authors stated in the journal Scientific Reports.
According to the authors, pet ownership significantly affects many organs and functions in the body as people age.
“Cat owners experience less memory and language function decline. Walking dogs may also help slow cognitive function deterioration,” the authors wrote.
Many previous studies have indicated that pets can provide social support, and interacting with them helps reduce blood pressure and heart rate.
Additionally, many people believe that pet ownership helps them manage stress in their lives, making them feel more relaxed and focused.
Not only does pet ownership provide mental health benefits, it also increases regular physical activity, as pets need daily exercise.
“Based on these findings, policymakers could support incorporating pets into care plans, housing, and community development for the elderly. Furthermore, initiatives that support pet ownership could be both feasible and hold potential for growth,” experts noted.
