A new Irish study reveals that regular dog walks can significantly benefit the mobility and fall prevention of older adults. Individuals over 60 who walk their dogs four times a week demonstrated improved speed and balance compared to non-dog walkers, with a 40% lower chance of experiencing unexplained falls.
Dogs are more than just a man's best friend - new Irish research reveals that regular walks with our canine companions can significantly contribute to protecting against mobility issues and the risk of falls as we age. A recent study conducted by researchers in Ireland found that individuals over 60 who walk their dogs approximately four times a week exhibit greater speed and balance compared to those who do not engage in regular dog walks.
The findings, stemming from the TILDA study on aging which has meticulously tracked thousands of older people representative of the Irish population for the past 14 years, indicate that 15% of community-dwelling older adults are regular dog walkers. The average age of the 4,161 participants, who were questioned about dog ownership, mobility, and falls, was 71 years, with just over half being female. Dr. Robert Briggs, one of the study's authors, highlighted that dog walkers had a 40% reduced likelihood of experiencing unexplained falls. He emphasized, 'It's those falls that tend to result in injuries. It's when you're walking along and suddenly you're on the ground, and you don't know why that happened.' While it was previously assumed that owning a dog might motivate physical activity in later life due to a perceived 'sense of dog walking obligation,' this study is believed to be the first to explore the direct impact of dog walking on mobility and fall prevention in older adults. Dr. Briggs stated, 'As a geriatrician at St James's Hospital, one of the things we know is crucial for reducing falls is regular physical activity and maintaining good mobility. When speaking with older individuals who are well and able, I would strongly advise them to consider getting a dog to encourage their movement and provide that extra motivation.
Dog Walking Mobility Falls Aging Health Benefits
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