A study suggests that owning a pet can aid in maintaining mental sharpness as you grow older.

As a pet owner, you likely recognize the importance of spending more time with your furry companions.

Scientific research suggests that long-term pet ownership may be beneficial for your brain, potentially slowing cognitive decline in older adults.

Researchers at the University of Michigan found that owning a pet for five or more years can delay brain aging in adults aged 65. The study's findings will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 74th Annual Meeting in Seattle in April.

Dr. Tiffany Braley of the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, who authored the study, stated in a press release that prior studies have suggested that the human-animal bond may have health benefits like decreasing blood pressure and stress. However, she added, "our results suggest that pet ownership may also be protective against cognitive decline."

The study examined cognitive data from over 1,300 older adults, aged 65 on average, who initially had normal cognitive abilities. Among these participants, 53% owned pets, with 32% describing themselves as long-term pet owners, meaning they had owned a pet for five years or more.

Over a six-year period, the researchers evaluated cognitive function through tests given to participants, such as number counting, subtraction problems, and word recall tests. Based on annual performance, participants received a cognitive score ranging from 0 to 27.

Pet owners in Michigan experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline over a six-year period compared to non-pet owners. The difference was even more pronounced among long-term pet owners, with an average cognitive score 1.2 points higher than non-pet owners.

The cognitive benefits of pet ownership in older people were even greater in Black participants, men, and seniors with a college education, according to the report. The study's participants were 88% white, 7% Black, 2% Hispanic, and 3% of another ethnicity or race.

Braley believes that past research showing pets reducing owners' stress levels could be one explanation for this study's results. "Stress can negatively affect cognitive function," she said, which means lower stress levels could help slow cognitive decline.

Studies have demonstrated that individuals who own pets, particularly dogs, engage in more physical activity and walking than those without pets. This increased exercise can benefit both your mind and body, as suggested by Braley.

"Having a companion animal can boost physical activity, potentially improving cognitive health," she stated.

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