:

Articles related to focusing on healthy aging, prevention, mobility, cognition, nutrition, independence, and caregiving support.

Oct 27, 2025

4 min

What is the pet brain effect? Examining the science behind companion animal cognitive benefits

According to a 2022 study published in *Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience*, long-term pet ownership was associated with a "brain age" up to 15 years younger in some adults, especially dog owners. This phenomenon is part of what is known as the pet brain effect, which describes the numerous ways that owning and interacting with a companion animal can positively influence cognitive health and brain function.

Read Healthy Aging

Oct 26, 2025

4 min

Can Owning a Pet Really Slow Cognitive Decline?

According to a 2023 study in *JAMA Network Open*, older adults who live alone and own a pet experience slower cognitive decline, specifically in verbal memory and verbal fluency, compared to their non-pet-owning counterparts. But beyond companionship, can owning a pet really slow cognitive decline across different populations? The science points toward a range of interconnected benefits, from increased physical activity to stress reduction, that can contribute to better brain health as we age.

Read Healthy Aging