In addition to being loyal companions, dogs could offer significant health benefits, particularly when it comes to improving mobility and reducing the risk of falls among older adults.

Researchers have found that regular dog walking, at least four times per week, is linked to a reduced fear of falling, a lower likelihood of unexplained falls, and improved mobility.

The latest research from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) at Trinity College Dublin revealed the significant benefits of regular dog walking for older adults after analysing data from over 4,000 participants over 60 years of age.

Those involved in the study self-reported walking their dogs 4 days a week while a control group consisted of participants who did not own a dog or dog owners who did not walk their dogs regularly.

Falls and fear of falling were measured by self-report, and mobility was measured using the Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) test which measures the probability of falls among older adults

The findings were striking. Regular dog walkers completed the TUG test significantly faster than non-dog walkers, indicating improved mobility. In addition, they were 40 per cent less likely to experience unexplained falls and 20 per cent less likely to report a fear of falling.

Professor Robert Briggs, Consultant Geriatrician, St James’s Hospital and Trinity College, and co-author, said the “study demonstrates the potential benefits that regular dog walking can confer on older people.”

“Regular dog walkers had significantly better mobility, reduced likelihood of falls and were less likely to develop fear of falling,” Briggs said.

“While this may be partly due to increased physical activity, it is also likely that increased social interaction, companionship and purpose derived from having a dog also plays an important role.

“We see how important pets are in the lives of older people we encounter both in St James’s Hospital and the TILDA study and it is therefore heartening to see the benefits borne out in this study.”

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.