A growing body of research is shedding light on a delightful strategy for safeguarding cognitive health: keeping a pet dog or cat. As the Thai population rapidly ages and concerns about dementia and memory loss mount, recent international studies provide encouraging evidence that companionship from a furry friend could be a vital, joyful contributor to mental sharpness in later life. The latest findings, published in leading scientific journals and summarized in recent coverage by international and Thai media, point to a nuanced, species-specific association between pet ownership and the pace of cognitive decline.Kiplinger, Nature, The Guardian
For Thai families and individuals navigating retirement, the findings offer a dose of optimism. International researchers have long documented that animal companions boost happiness, decrease loneliness, and increase exercise—factors all linked, in previous studies, to slower cognitive and physical decline. But the most recent large-scale study, published in May 2025 in “Scientific Reports,” breaks new ground by providing detailed, long-term evidence that dog and cat ownership specifically is associated with slower losses in certain cognitive domains over nearly two decades.
Why does cognitive health matter so much? In Thailand, rates of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are projected to rise dramatically as life expectancy climbs. Widespread cognitive decline not only erodes quality of life for older adults but also creates emotional and financial stress for families, caregivers, and national health systems. Public health campaigns have increasingly emphasized nutrition, regular exercise, and social engagement as preventive measures. Yet, for many, switching to a healthy diet and maintaining an active lifestyle can be challenging to sustain. Against this backdrop, the possibility that something as enjoyable as caring for a pet could help maintain memory and mental agility is a welcome discovery.
Delving into the research, the European study analyzed data from more than 16,000 adults aged 50 to 99 across 11 countries, followed for up to 18 years. Participants were assessed on three specific brain functions: verbal fluency (the ability to quickly list words in a category), immediate recall (remembering a short list right away), and delayed recall (remembering it after a pause). The results were striking: while all older adults experienced some degree of cognitive decline over time, pet owners—particularly those with a dog or cat—showed markedly slower declines in these abilities.
Specifically, dog owners enjoyed the slowest rates of decline in immediate and delayed word recall, while cat owners demonstrated a slower slide in verbal fluency and some memory functions. Interestingly, the positive effects held true regardless of whether participants were in their early 50s or approaching 100, and the trends persisted after adjusting for differences in education, exercise, health, and living situation. In contrast, ownership of birds or fish did not appear to provide the same cognitive protection—a finding that aligns with the idea that the physical activity, emotional connection, and social interaction involved in caring for a mammal may play a unique role.
Researchers hypothesize that several factors could explain these species-specific results. Dogs, aside from being sources of unconditional affection, require regular outdoor walks, providing their owners with routine physical activity and opportunities for socializing. Such lifestyle factors are known to benefit brain health, reducing risks associated with sedentary living and social isolation. Cats, while more independent, foster intense bonds and may serve as emotional anchors, especially for owners living alone or facing life transitions. Notably, some research suggests that interactions with cats and dogs may stimulate neurological processes, including heightened engagement of brain areas involved in attention and emotion.Nature, The Guardian
From a distinctly Thai perspective, owning pets has deep cultural and spiritual dimensions. In Buddhist philosophy, kindness to animals is considered a meritorious act, and in many Thai households, dogs and cats are cherished as family members. In rural areas, dogs still commonly serve as loyal guardians, while city dwellers increasingly adopt cats for companionship and stress relief amid fast-paced urban life. For Thai retirees, maintaining such bonds may help counter loneliness—an underrecognized health risk in later life. The supportive presence of a pet can fill emotional gaps left by the loss of a spouse, children relocating for work, or reduced social circles.
The research further reveals that not all pet owners start out with the same cognitive profile. At baseline, pet owners in the study tested with higher verbal fluency but slightly lower recall abilities than non-owners, but over the long term, their cognitive decline was consistently less steep. That’s a crucial finding: the benefits seem particularly robust across various backgrounds, ages, and baseline mental capacities. Importantly, the size of the positive effect of pet ownership on cognitive function—especially for those with strong bonds to their animals—may be greater for those who live alone, a pertinent point for the growing number of elderly Thais living independently in both urban and rural settings.
Why might birds and fish not yield the same benefit? Researchers suggest that these animals, while often charming, may not forge the same level of emotional attachment or require the same degree of interactive care as dogs and cats. Birds, though intelligent, can disrupt sleep, and both birds and fish have comparatively short lifespans, possibly limiting the depth of connection forged with the owner.
What are the broader implications for public health and Thai society? Experts say this research opens up opportunities for creative, culturally sensitive health promotion strategies. In a country where senior citizens sometimes feel invisible or isolated, local governments might consider supporting “pet-friendly” community initiatives, from dog-walking groups in city parks to “cat cafés” adapted for the elderly. Moreover, making veterinary care and pet insurance more accessible—especially for low-income pensions—could remove financial barriers for older adults interested in adopting a pet.
Thai geriatric specialists, speaking in line with this wave of international research, frequently highlight the multi-pronged benefits of animal companionship. One psychiatrist specializing in geriatric care from a leading Bangkok hospital notes, “We see many elderly patients whose overall mood, mobility, and outlook improve after they begin to care for a dog or cat. The routines and responsibilities, along with the affection exchanged, provide structure and meaning that may otherwise be missing in later life.” Official representatives from the Department of Mental Health have also recommended animal-assisted activities in community health programs aimed at seniors.Kiplinger
Thai tradition has long made room for animal companionship, but the recent research suggests proactive pet keeping could become a formal part of “active ageing” policy. The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security could consider factoring pet support into its guidelines for senior-friendly housing, while charities and volunteer organizations might pair shelter animals with elderly adopters—an approach already making waves in Japan and parts of Europe.
However, experts caution against interpreting these findings as a call for everyone to immediately acquire a pet. Pet ownership is a significant, long-term commitment that requires time, resources, and energy. Not all individuals can or should care for an animal—health issues, allergies, housing restrictions, and lack of mobility can all pose barriers. Furthermore, caring for a pet can be stressful if the owner cannot keep up with the animal’s needs. In these cases, Thai communities might benefit more from regular, structured animal-assisted activities at local elder care centers or temples.
From a historical and global standpoint, the research fits within a rich tradition of animal domestication and its intertwined development with human societies. In Southeast Asia, archaeological evidence and local oral histories show that cats and dogs have been integral to village and temple life for centuries. In contemporary Thailand, the “Temple Dog” or “Temple Cat” is a familiar sight, sometimes even serving symbolic religious functions.
As for the future, policymakers, urban planners, health professionals, and families should take heed. With more than one-fifth of Thailand’s population projected to be over 60 by 2040, efforts to support healthy, independent aging will only become more urgent. Multidisciplinary teams could work together to evaluate the best models for integrating pet companionship into senior wellness programs—from awareness campaigns and subsidized adoption to pet-friendly housing modifications. For families considering how to support aging parents or grandparents, discussions about the costs and joys of pet adoption could now include the tangible mental health benefits evidenced by science.
Concretely, for Thai readers and families, the takeaway from this compelling wave of research is both simple and profound: if you are entering retirement, consider whether a dog or cat might fit into your life, not just for the happy company, but for the potentially long-lasting boost to your cognitive health. For those unable to keep a pet, seeking out animal companionship through local shelters, animal-focused community events, or even regular visits to a neighborhood stray dog or “วัดแมว” (temple cat) may offer some of these benefits in a less demanding form.
Above all, the message is to make cognitive health a joyful, lived priority—not just a medical checklist—by integrating affection, companionship, and purpose into your daily life, in ways attuned to Thai culture and practical realities. As the evidence mounts, it is clear that the road to a sharper, happier mind may very well be padded with paw prints.
For more information and to explore relevant studies, see Kiplinger’s original article, the full scientific report in Scientific Reports, and coverage by The Guardian.