Pet Ownership has Cognitive Benefits for Older Adults Living Alone: JAMA

• Impact of Pet Ownership: Pet ownership appeared to offset the association between living alone and declining rates of verbal memory and verbal fluency. However, there were no significant differences in cognitive decline rates between pet owners living alone and those living with others.

The findings suggest that owning a pet might offer cognitive benefits specifically to older adults living alone, potentially slowing down the decline in verbal memory and fluency. The study emphasizes the need for further research to delve deeper into the direct impact of pet ownership on cognitive decline among older adults living independently.

The study's insights illuminate a potential link between pet ownership, living arrangements, and cognitive health in older adults. The findings underscore the need for continued exploration into the role of pets in mitigating cognitive decline, particularly among individuals living alone.

Reference:

Li, Y., Wang, W., Zhu, L., Yang, L., Wu, H., Zhang, X., Guo, L., & Lu, C. Pet ownership, living alone, and cognitive decline among adults 50 years and older. JAMA Network Open,2023;6(12):e2349241. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.49241