Dog owners over 50 age more slowly and retain cognitive abilities longer

Owning a pet for more than five years may help maintain cognitive abilities as you ageThis was established by a study conducted by researchers from the University of Florida, the University of Michigan and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Researchers have found that Adults aged 50 and over who had owned a pet for more than five years remembered words more easily and showedin general, a slower decline in memory over time compared to other peers who had never owned a dog.

The researchers were able to argue that all this is not a coincidencebut due to the fact that Pets can buffer stress and to have an absolutely positive effect on the cognition of the elderly. The study, whose lead author is Jennifer Applebaumsociologist and National Institutes of Health Predoctoral Fellow at the University of Florida, is the first to describe and examine the impact of pet ownership over time on cognitive function among a national sample of U.S. adults aged 50 and older and was carried out on over 1,300 people participating in a longitudinal survey that is monitoring over 20,000 adults in the United States to learn about issues related to aging.

The study was conducted on a sample of people, over 50% of whom were over 65 years old. Of these, 53% owned pets and almost a third had owned them for more than five years. All pets were examined, but Dogs were by far the most commonfollowed by the cats. Over 6 years, cognitive scores declined more slowly in long-term pet owners.

The benefits on mental and physical health

There are many studies that demonstrate the mental and physical health benefits of owning a pet. A positive relationship with your pets, in fact, reduces stress thanks to the emotional support they offer. The benefits also extend to physical health. Walking a dog or feeding a cat also increases physical activity, which is closely linked to cognitive health.

“An unwanted separation from a pet can be devastating for an owner,” Applebaum said in closing her study. “We recommend that people who own pets be supported in keeping them through public policies and community partnerships.”

And it is precisely in this context that the statement by Lino di Lernia, Co-founder of Over, who explained the policies of all the Over Senior Residences is included. A new philosophy of life defined by Lino di Lernia as “a whole other life”, Where there is a welcome for pets for the peace of mind of self-sufficient over 65s: «Lasting relationships with pets demonstrate long-term benefits on the cognitive abilities of older adults. Pets are welcome in our self-sufficient seniors’ homes and our staff is trained to ensure they have a ‘pet-friendly’ holiday or long-term stay. We have always believed that the presence of a pet makes people happier and more motivated. Furthermore, we have noticed that dog owners in our Over Senior Residences find it easier to create moments of sociality with other guests».

The dog, therefore, becomes the perfect medium to chase away melancholy, but also to improve vital parameters: a widespread well-being also brought about by the need to do constant physical activity. The company they provide is solid, they offer unconditional love and give a new meaning to the lives of the elderly, who feel motivated to take care of special creatures.

SOURCES CITED IN THIS ARTICLE:

• University of Florida study