"Adopting Pets May Boost Cognitive Health in Older Adults, Studies Suggest"
A new study involving nearly 8,000 older adults suggests that owning pets can slow cognitive decline in individuals over 50 who live alone. The research, which followed participants for eight years, indicates that pet ownership is linked to better maintenance of verbal memory and fluency, potentially offsetting the risks associated with solitary living—a known factor for dementia. However, the benefits were not observed in older adults living with others, highlighting the unique support pets provide to those living alone.
