Seniors with dogs are safer on their feet

Bremen. From the age of 65 onwards, the likelihood of falls and complicated bone fractures increases in seniors. This is where having a dog in the house helps: regular walks keep elderly people safely on their feet for longer. This was the result of a study by gerontologists from Ireland.

Many seniors know it: Suddenly your balance disappears and you're suddenly on the ground. Age-related balance disorders and loss of strength are among the most common reasons for falls, some of which are serious. In Germany, according to the Robert Koch Institute, around one in four people aged 65 and over falls at least once a year, and one in ten people even falls several times.

Mobility restrictions rob you of joy in life
Corresponding injuries such as broken bones lead to around 400,000 hospital stays per year. Once the often long-term consequences of an accident have finally been cured, many older people find it difficult to resume their usual everyday life: This is often followed by the fear that it will happen again and that mobility will become even more restricted, which in turn leads to less exercise, less mobility and, last but not least, less social contacts – a vicious circle that robs many seniors of the joy of life in their last years of life and can lead to psychological problems such as depression due to the resulting loneliness. It is generally believed that regular moderate exercise – such as walking a dog – could reduce this risk. However, to what extent this is true and how effective it is has hardly been scientifically investigated to date.

Irish long-term study on aging
The long-term TILDA study (The Irish Longitudinal Study of Aging) on age and aging in Ireland now provides results. Their data should help to improve the living conditions of older people. In a special partial study, specialists in gerontology from Trinity College in Dublin addressed the question of the effects of walking.

Two groups of people over 60 years of age living at home were surveyed: a study group of people who walk their dogs more than four days a week, and a control group of people who either do not keep a dog or do not go out with the animal themselves. In addition, everyone underwent a clinical test to assess mobility and fall risk.

The statistical analysis shows: those who regularly go out with their dog are fitter. He moves safer and faster, the likelihood of falling decreases, as does the consuming fear of it.

No wonder: dog owners automatically integrate several exercise sessions a day into their everyday lives. Running on uneven surfaces such as in the forest or on sand not only trains your fitness but also your balance without putting too much strain on your bones and joints. In addition to the physical training effect, the walks and the many hours spent outdoors also have a mood-enhancing effect and even promote communication when interacting with other dog owners.

Dog walks train mobility
Further studies are needed to substantiate the results. But the positive initial results are encouraging: Older people should continue to be active with their dogs outside the home. Because that apparently keeps you physically and mentally young.