Three Things to Know
Researchers analyzed data from a large-scale Japanese survey of senior citizens to determine if dog and cat ownership influenced disability rates.
Results indicated that current dog owners were 54% less likely to develop a disability compared to those who never owned a dog, with even lower odds for those who exercised regularly. Notably, cat ownership did not correlate with reduced disability.
These findings suggest that dog ownership, particularly through increased exercise and social interaction, may protect against disability in older adults.
For Dog Welfare Practitioners
The findings of this study reinforce the positive impact of dogs on healthy aging. Consequently, animal welfare organizations must actively facilitate dog companionship for seniors. Building upon initiatives like Seniors for Seniors, organizations should promote or establish neighborhood dog-walking networks, which foster social connection and mutual support. Furthermore, addressing pet care continuity is essential, as that is a top stressor for pet owners. By considering the entire arc of pet ownership, we can ensure seniors fully benefit from the joy and well-being dogs provide.
The Full Picture
Recent medical advances have significantly increased life expectancy, shifting the focus toward achieving successful and healthy aging — defined as aging without disease or disability. Since physical frailty is a major risk factor for future disability, preventing frailty is key to promoting healthy aging. Recent research suggests that pet ownership, especially dog ownership, may help reduce the risk of frailty, as well as lower the chances of dementia, in older adults by encouraging physical activity and social interaction.
Building on this, this study, titled “Evidence that dog ownership protects against the onset of disability in an older community-dwelling Japanese population”, investigates whether owning a dog or cat is associated with a lower risk of disability and mortality. It also explores whether regular exercise and strong social relationships strengthen this effect.
Study Methods
This study used data from the Ota Genki Senior Project, a large community-based intervention launched in 2016 in Ota City, Tokyo. A total of 15,500 physically and cognitively independent residents aged 65 to 84 were randomly selected to complete a baseline questionnaire. Of these, 11,233 participants who provided complete data on pet ownership were included in the analysis, with a follow-up period of 3.5 years (June 2016 to January 2020, pre-COVID).
Pet ownership was categorized as current, past, or never, based on responses about living with a dog, cat, or other pets. Disability was assessed using Japan’s national long-term care insurance (LTCI) certification system, and all-cause mortality was verified through local registries and national vital statistics.
Study Results
The study involved 11,233 older adults (mean age 74.2 years; 51.5% women). At baseline, 13.8% were current dog or cat owners, 29.5% were past owners, and 56.8% had never owned a pet. Dog ownership was more common than cat ownership. Current pet owners were generally younger, more likely to be women, married, better educated, healthier, and more socially active than non-owners. Over the 3.5-year follow-up, 17.1% of participants developed a disability and 5.2% died.
Disability
Current dog owners had a significantly lower disability rate (13.1%) compared to past (16.8%) and never owners (17.7%). Further analysis showed that current dog ownership was associated with about half the risk of developing a disability compared to those who never owned a dog (odds ratio = 0.54), even after adjusting for demographics and health status. In contrast, cat ownership had no effect on disability risk.
The protective effect of dog ownership was especially strong among those who also engaged in regular exercise — this group had the lowest risk of disability (odds ratio = 0.44). Thus, the study supports the idea that walking a dog — often a moderate-intensity activity — can help maintain physical function and reduce frailty, contributing to successful aging.
Mortality
As for all-cause mortality, neither current dog nor cat ownership was linked to lower risk. The only exception was a modestly reduced mortality risk among older men who were past dog owners, which may be a statistical anomaly.
Conclusion
Dog ownership—through its physical, emotional, and social benefits—may be a valuable tool for promoting health and independence in older adults, and could be considered in aging and health promotion policies.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
Owned Dogs > What Dogs Bring > Benefits to Elderlies & Seniors
Year of Publication:
2022
External Link:
Taniguchi Y, Seino S, Headey B, Hata T, Ikeuchi T, Abe T, et al. (2022) Evidence that dog ownership protects against the onset of disability in an older community-dwelling Japanese population. PLoS ONE 17(2): e0263791. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0263791