A new study reveals that pet ownership may help slow cognitive decline in older adults, particularly those living alone. Having a cat, dog, or other pet could be a simple strategy to support mental sharpness as people age.
Why it matters
For adults over 50 without housemates, owning a pet was tied to a slower decline in verbal memory and fluency—skills critical for communication and daily independence.
By the numbers
- 7,945 adults tracked over 8 years in the UK.
- Pet owners living alone showed a 23% slower decline in verbal cognition compared to those without pets.
- Living alone without a pet? Decline rates were 28% faster than pet owners living with others.
A closer look
Pets likely combat loneliness—a known risk of dementia—by providing companionship and routine. However, the benefits were exclusive to those living alone. For adults with housemates, pets showed no measurable cognitive advantage.
Yes, but
- The study focused only on verbal skills, not global cognitive function.
- Most participants were White; results may not apply broadly.
- The researchers found a correlation between pet ownership and slower cognitive decline, not cause and effect.
The takeaway
A pet can provide more than companionship for older adults living alone — it may help maintain cognitive function. Emerging research suggests that social connections, including those with animals, contribute to healthy aging.
