How Petting a Pet Can Benefit Body and Mind

It’s no secret to the millions of pet owners out there that interacting with an animal is a surefire mood booster, but it goes beyond that: Playing with, cuddling or walking your pet can improve physical fitness, as well as mental health. And some benefits are specific to adults over 50.

A variety of recent studies and reports emphasize the positive points of owning a pet (or even just borrowing one for a game of fetch or two). Pet owners report increased happiness, less anxiety and a boost in overall physical activity as a direct result of spending time with their furry pals. Pets also make it easier for people to get out and socialize, with dogs being the perfect “icebreaker” for an impromptu conversation during a neighborhood walk.

But it goes deeper than that: Several other studies have also looked at the effects of pet ownership and pet therapy specifically on older adults’ cognitive and emotional well-being.

In research circles it’s known as “dognition” — the effect of pet ownership on cognition in older adults. Scientists have found that dog owners over age 65 perform significantly better than people without pets on cognitive tasks. And in a 2023 study in Japan, dog owners were 40 percent less likely to develop dementia over a four-year period compared to those without pets.

Curious to learn more about pets and brain health? Visit this article on Staying Sharp.

_{This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide any expert, professional or specialty advice or recommendations. Readers are urged to consult with their medical providers for all questions.}