Walking dogs seems to lower the risk of dementia and frailty through regular exercise. Cats, while previous research shows benefits for mental health, likely provide less physical activity.

Yu Taniguchi, a senior researcher specializing in geriatrics at the National Institute for Environmental Studies. A new study by the institute found that owning a dog rather than a cat may lower the risk of dementia and frailty in older adults.

© Mainichi Shimbun