The dog and cat company reduces stress, favors memory, stimulates brain activity and promotes healthy routines in older adults.
Over the years, it is common for older people begin to live with certain forgetfulness, distractions or difficulties to concentrate. Although these signs are often part of the aging natural, they can also be the first indications of a cognitive deterioration deeper. In that context, more and more research explores ways to prevent or slow it down and one of the most surprising strategies are pets.
Animal links, especially dogs and catsnot only provide company and affection, but can become a protective tool for Mental health. In times when longevity grows and many adults live alone, having a pet can represent much more than a daily routine or a source of love.
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Pets can help stop cognitive deterioration in older adults
A recent study published in the magazine Scientific Reports He revealed a revealing finding: older people who live with pets have a slower cognitive impairment than those who do not have companion animals. For this, the Data from more than 18 years of Share research (Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe), an extensive monitoring work on Sallud and aging in adults over 50 years in various European countries.
Scientists focused on two aspects neuronal functioning key: the Episodic memory (evaluated by immediate and deferred memory tests) and the Executive operation (measured through verbal fluidity tasks). The results were surprising: the people who lived with dogs or cats showed a slower cognitive impairment compared to those who had no pets. But what are these conclusions? Experts pose several hypotheses.
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On the one hand, the care of an animal implies Routines, responsibilities and sensory stimuli that keep the brain active: take a dog for a walk, remember their diet, play with it or take it to the veterinarian. In the case of cats, their company also represents an important emotional incentive, especially in people who are going through the loneliness or the duel.
In addition, the Affective link With a pet reduces the Stress and anxiety levelstwo factors that directly affect cognitive deterioration. Interaction with animals releases oxytocin, the so -called “love hormone”, which favors emotional well -being and can protect brain functioning. To that is added the Positive impact in the cardiovascular health. Multiple studies have already demonstrated that people with dogs or cats have more stable blood pressure, lower risk of heart disease and better sleep quality.
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Although you still need to continue investigating in depth the mechanisms behind this relationship, everything indicates that having a pet can be a valuable tool for Promote active and healthy aging. It does not replace a medical treatment, but adds a layer of care that connects the elderly with life, affection and present.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
