New research conducted by The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) at Trinity College Dublin has shed light on the significant benefits of regular dog walking for older adults. The study, recently published in the Journals of Gerontology, aimed to investigate the potential link between dog walking and a reduced risk of falls, fear of falling, and mobility problems in older individuals.
Falls are a common issue among older adults, often leading to hospitalization, fractures, loss of independence, increased healthcare utilization, and even mortality. With around 30% of people in Ireland aged 70 and above experiencing falls annually, finding strategies to prevent falls is crucial.
The study included over 4,100 participants aged 60 and older, utilizing data from TILDA Wave 5. Regular dog walkers, defined as those who walked their dogs at least four days a week, were compared to non-dog walkers. The results revealed several key findings:
– Improved Mobility: Regular dog walkers performed significantly better on the Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) test, a measure of fall risk among older adults.
– Reduced Falls: Dog walkers were 40% less likely to experience unexplained falls.
– Lower Fear of Falling: Participants who walked their dogs regularly were 20% less likely to report fear of falling.
The study highlighted the unique benefits of dog walking, emphasizing the role of physical activity and social interaction in maintaining independence in later life. While both dog walkers and non-walkers had similar activity levels, the act of walking a dog appeared to offer distinct advantages.
Professor Robert Briggs, a co-author of the study, noted the importance of pets in the lives of older individuals and highlighted the physical, social, and emotional benefits of regular dog walking. Lead author Dr. Eleanor Gallagher emphasized the simplicity and accessibility of dog walking as an activity that not only improves physical health but also enhances mental well-being and confidence in older adults.
Overall, the study underscores the value of incorporating regular dog walking into the lives of older adults as a means of promoting physical and mental well-being. The findings provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of this simple yet impactful activity for the aging population.
For more information, the study titled “The Association of Regular Dog Walking with Mobility, Falls and Fear of Falling in Later Life” can be accessed in The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences.
