Just one more reason to love our furry friends.
Finally, some good news: researchers have linked dog and cat ownership to healthier cognitive functioning in late life. In fact, this news isn’t brand new: scientists have known for years that interactions with pets support healthy brains. For example, in a 2022 article entitled “Pet ownership is associated with greater cognitive and brain health in a cross-sectional sample across the adult lifespan,” authors McDonough et al. found that “pet ownership, especially dog ownership, may play a role in enhancing cognitive performance across the adult lifespan, which could in turn influence protection against age-related cognitive decline.”
This year’s research findings are perhaps not so surprising: an article in Scientific Reports by Rostekova et al. found that “Dog and cat ownership was associated with slower cognitive decline compared to no pet ownership; bird and fish ownership showed no such association.”
Not to say that birds and fish don’t provide worthy companionship or well-being benefits, but it’s dogs and cats who have the capacity to help their owners stay mentally sharper for longer. In fact, the authors of the first study make the rather astounding statement that “owning a pet can reduce one’s brain age by up to 15 years.”
What’s so powerful about the effect that dogs and cats have on their owners, especially as those owners enter late life? Adriana Rostekova, lead author of the more recent article, hypothesizes that perhaps the social stimulation provided by dogs, in particular, but also cats, helps stave off cognitive decline. She added that it’s “possible that interaction with dogs and cats provides unique cognitive stimulation, which may be less pronounced in other, less demanding pets” like birds and fish.
When continuing care communities and hospitals offer animal-assisted activities or therapy, they support residents’ happiness, social interaction, and physical movement. These findings suggest that animal visits also support cognitive function, including memory and verbal fluency. Truly, whatever these pets are getting paid, it’s not enough.
Tips for New Senior Dog Owners
There are so many reasons to enjoy life with a dog. For older adults who are currently dog-less and considering inviting a pooch into their lives, here are some factors to consider for a smooth transition.
- Energy level & size: Choose a breed or mixed breed whose exercise needs match your lifestyle. Lower-energy dogs or smaller breeds may be easier to manage. Senior living experts recommend breeds like cocker spaniels, shih tzus, or French bulldogs.
- Age of the dog: Puppies require training and lots of energy, while older dogs may be calmer and already house-trained.
- Health & mobility: Consider your own mobility and to what degree you can handle walking, bending, or lifting. Also consider who’s around to assist you with dog care, and what their interest and availability is for helping on a day-to-day basis or as a dogsitter.
- Finances: Factor in costs for food, vet visits, grooming, and emergencies. Talk to friends and family to decide if pet insurance would be a good choice.
- Living situation: Check pet policies if you live in senior housing or an apartment, and consider whether there’s outdoor space nearby that’s safe and accessible for both you and the pup.
Tips for New Senior Cat Owners
You’ll be fine.
Just kidding–adopting a cat is still a big decision, but it’s common knowledge that cat care is lighter than dog care on the whole. That may make a cat a better choice for some seniors. In addition to the considerations above, consider a new cat’s temperament. Cats’ personalities vary widely: some are lap cats, others are more, shall we say, independent. Choose one that matches your lifestyle. In terms of space, cats adapt well to apartments and smaller homes, but they still need room for scratching posts, perches, and toys.
It’s a beautiful thing that dogs and cats help us see and remember the world clearly as we grow older. Keep doing whatever you’re doing, little guys: we love you for it.
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