A recent study published in JAMA Open Network reveals a fascinating link between pet ownership and senior cognitive health. Researchers found that having a pet can offer protective brain benefits for those living alone.
An article posted by Consumer Affairs reveals the study compared cognitive skills of older adults who lived with others versus those who lived alone with a pet. The results show that pet owners living alone did not experience faster rates of decline in verbal memory or verbal fluency compared to those living with others.
In addition to the wonderful companionship pets provide, the research suggests that pets might also help slow cognitive decline in seniors living alone.
How the research worked:
-Data from 7,945 adults over the age of 50
-All were enrolled in the English Longitudinal Study of Aging
-Over 20 years, they reported their living status including pet ownership
-They also completed cognitive tests
-35% owned pets and 36%+ lived alone
Pet owners living alone scored higher on cognitive tests than those without pets and that’s research that gives us all an additional strategy to improve the quality of life for yourself or a senior loved one.
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