Camille Moreau / Photo credits: Mathieu Thomasset / Hans Lucas / Hans Lucas via AFP
Pets have known positive effects on morale, but they may also have positive effects on the health of the elderly. According to a Chinese study, having a dog or a cat delays memory loss and improves speech skills.
Does living with a pet have positive effects on our health? According to a Chinese study published this week, owning a dog or a cat would allow single people to age healthier.
Language constantly stimulated
Delayed memory loss, better speech skills… Patricia, 69, lives alone with her dog Gus and talks to him every day. “Did you sleep well? We’re going for a walk! Did you eat well? We have discussions at his level, he understands lots of words. So obviously the brain works because there is someone with us and we are obliged to take care of it,” says Patricia.
According to researchers, owning a dog or cat prevents you from forgetting words since language is constantly stimulated. Having a pet has other health benefits, recalls François Beger, president of the French Institute of Zootherapy. “Being around an animal every day will be something very positive for these elderly people because they will work on memory, in particular old memory, the prefrontal and all that slows down Alzheimer’s disease among others.”
Living with a dog would reduce the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by 24%
Contact with a dog also helps slow down the heart system. According to another study, this time Canadian, living with a dog reduces the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by 24%.