According to a new study, owners of dogs and cats tend to show a slower cognitive decline than those without pets.
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The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Maryland and published in the journal Scientific Reports in September, examined data from 637 participants aged 51 to 101 years. Of the participants, 185 were pet owners.
The research showed that over a decade, those with pets experienced “less decline in cognitive function as they aged, after considering both their pre-existing health and age.”
This included memory function, language function, and psychomotor speed. “Cat owners experienced less deterioration in memory and language function. Dog walking also was associated with slower deterioration in cognitive function,” the authors added.
Having dogs can also lead to an increase in physical activity through the need to take them out for daily exercises, which is known to be beneficial for health, according to the researchers.
Previous studies have shown that interacting with pets can also bring other benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and regulating blood pressure.
The researchers said they hope lawmakers use their findings to “support inclusion of pets in care plans, designing housing and neighbourhoods for seniors that are friendly for dog walking, and developing programs to support pet ownership.”
