New research from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) at Trinity College Dublin reveals that regular dog walking offers significant benefits for older adults, helping them stay mobile, reduce the risk of falls, and improve confidence.
Published in the Journals of Gerontology, the study sheds light on how a simple activity like walking a dog can enhance both physical and mental well-being in later life.
Falls are a leading health concern for older adults, often resulting in hospital visits, fractures, loss of independence, and even premature death.
In Ireland, approximately 30% of people aged 70 and older experience a fall each year, with 1 in 8 requiring emergency care.
As the population ages, fall-related incidents are expected to rise, making it critical to identify effective, scalable prevention strategies.
The study analyzed data from over 4,100 adults aged 60 and older using information from TILDA Wave 5. Participants were divided into two groups:
- Regular Dog Walkers: Individuals who walked their dog at least four days per week.
- Non-Dog Walkers: Those who didn’t own a dog or owned a dog but did not walk it regularly.
Participants self-reported incidents of falls and fear of falling. Mobility was assessed using the Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) test, which measures how quickly someone can rise from a chair, walk a short distance, and return. Researchers used logistic regression models to evaluate the relationship between dog walking and health outcomes.
The study found several notable benefits for older adults who walked their dogs regularly:
- Improved Mobility: Dog walkers performed significantly better in the TUG test, completing it in an average of 10.3 seconds compared to 11.7 seconds for non-dog walkers. Faster TUG times are associated with a lower risk of falls.
- Reduced Risk of Falls: Regular dog walkers were 40% less likely to experience unexplained falls.
- Lower Fear of Falling: Fear of falling, which often leads to reduced mobility and social isolation, was 20% less common among dog walkers.
Why Dog Walking Helps
While general physical activity levels were similar between dog walkers and non-walkers, the act of walking a dog seems to provide unique advantages.
Beyond the physical benefits of regular exercise, dog walking fosters social interaction, companionship, and a sense of purpose. These factors are particularly important for older adults, contributing to better mental health and greater confidence.
Professor Robert Briggs, a geriatrician and co-author of the study, noted that the combination of increased physical activity, social interaction, and the companionship of a pet likely explains these positive outcomes. He emphasized the vital role pets play in the lives of many older adults, both as a source of joy and a motivator for staying active.
Dr. Eleanor Gallagher, the study’s lead author, highlighted that dog walking is a simple, accessible activity that not only supports physical health but also boosts mental well-being and confidence.
She emphasized the importance of promoting enjoyable and health-enhancing activities like dog walking to help older adults maintain independence and quality of life.
This study underscores the potential of dog walking as a practical and effective way to improve health and well-being in older adults. By enhancing mobility, reducing the risk of falls, and alleviating fear of falling, regular dog walking offers a holistic approach to healthy aging.
As the global population continues to age, encouraging activities that are both beneficial and enjoyable could play a crucial role in helping older adults stay active, confident, and independent.
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The research findings can be found in The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences.
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