Your Pet Might Be the Secret to a Sharper Mind As You Age, New Study Finds

Having pets throughout your life keeps you active with walks and play time, but did you know they also provide significant brain health benefits as you age?

According to a recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports, owning cats or dogs may help preserve certain cognitive functions as people age. The research used data from eight waves of the Survey of Health and Retirement in Europe to analyze the relationship between pet ownership and cognitive decline over the course of 18 years in adults aged 50 and older.

The study revealed that dog owners showed notable memory retention over time, especially in immediate and delayed recall, compared to those who did not own pets. Cat owners experienced a slower decline in verbal fluency, indicating potential benefits for language-related cognitive abilities. The research also looked at adult pet owners with birds or fish but didn't find any significant cognitive health benefits.

Don't Miss

People Find Relationship With Their Dog More Fulfilling Than With Their Closest Humans

10 Hobbies for Older Adults That Improve Brain and Body Health

Based on the findings, researchers suggest that several factors explain why dogs and cats have a noticeable impact on cognitive health, unlike fish and birds, which are less demanding to care for. Owning a dog often involves regular physical activity, while cats, though less demanding physically, may offer emotional comfort and routine, both of which can support cognitive health with age.

In addition to the physical and emotional benefits that dogs and cats provide, Adriana Rostekova, a researcher and lead author of the study, told 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: an increased frequency of social interactions when accompanied by a dog – or for cats, a substitute for a social network."

Having a dog or cat offers more than just companionship—it provides meaningful health benefits as well. While we care for them, they're quietly caring for us too, helping keep our minds sharp as we grow older.