Could your pet be doing more than keeping you company?
New research suggests that owning a dog or cat may help protect your brain as you age — potentially slowing memory loss and improving cognitive function well into later life.
While previous studies have shown that pet ownership has a positive influence on cognitive functioning in older age, there is limited understanding of how different species of pets affect that relationship, and why.
So scientists in Switzerland looked at four different pets – dogs, cats, birds and fish – investigating the link between pet ownership and cognitive health over an 18 year period in adults aged 50 years and older.
The findings, published in Scientific Reports, showed that dogs and cats have a noticeable, positive impact on cognitive health, while owning fish and birds provided no significant link to slower cognitive decline.
To understand this relationship, the team analysed data from the Survey of Health and Retirement in Europe and found that dog and cat owners outperformed non-pet owners in specific brain functions, as well as those who owned birds and fish.
In particular, dog owners showed notable memory retention over time, especially in delayed and immediate recall, compared to those who did not own pets, while cat owners experienced a slower decline in verbal fluency, which indicates potential benefits for language-related cognitive abilities.
The researchers argue that dogs and cats have a noticeable impact on cognitive health as they have more complex needs than birds or fish, which require less care.
There is also an increase in social interactions when owning a dog or a cat that can substitute for a social network, according to researcher and lead author of the study, Adriana Rostekova.
“[It is] further possible that interaction with dogs and cats provides unique cognitive stimulation, which may be less pronounced in other, less demanding pets,” Rostekova said per The Guardian.
“There is also a possibility of increased social stimulation facilitated by cats and dogs, which may be linked to the slower cognitive decline experienced by their owners.”
While more research is needed into this phenomenon, other studies have linked pet ownership with better well-being and a more positive ageing experience, especially for those over 60.
There are a myriad of other benefits that come with pet ownership. Some of which include:
We have to walk our dogs regularly. Even around the block, or a visit to the dog park can provide gentle but worthwhile activity. Cats enjoy grooming and petting, birds and fish need their environment to be cleaned and need to be fed regularly. We all know that movement and exercise are beneficial for our well-being, but it can be a whole lot more fun when doing it for and with our beloved pets.
Our pets need to be looked after on a daily basis. A reason to get out of bed on days we might not feel like getting up or just need a nudge in the right direction to get moving. Routine also works well with people with depression and can benefit those with dementia. A pet can reduce anxiety and give consistent unconditional love.
Pets don’t care how many times you tell them you love them or cuddle them. The cuddle hormone oxytocin is released after only 15 minutes of time together. We all could do with more of that happy hormone!
Many studies have shown that animals as companions decrease stress. Animals often seem to know best when you need them most. Pets live in the moment and help you live in the present.
Touch has been shown to be beneficial in so many ways so patting your dog, stroking your cat, or taking care of your smaller pet friend lessens anxiety, as well as being an enjoyable part of your day. Having a pet after a bereavement can help reduce emotional distress and give love when you need it most.
Humans need relationships to help keep us in tip-top condition. When for one reason or another, the human variety cannot be there for us, our pets are there to fill the gap. They don’t complain as long as we feed, water and give them some love, which is more than can be said for their human counterparts on occasion!
Loneliness can be an issue in our older years. Pets can help us with this. They need and love you unconditionally. That’s a great feeling.
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.