It once seemed common sense to believe that having and walking a dog was good older people. Dogs are great companions and provide a healthy excuse to go a walk and get a bit exercise. However, new research shows that taking the dog a walk can have its downsides seniors. A report published the American medical journal 'JAMA Surgery' says injuries among seniors related to dog-walking are becoming increasingly prevalent. From 2004 to 2017, researchers calculated that there were 32,000 cases people the USA aged 65 and over suffering fractures attributed to walking their dog. Some the injuries were serious and required the senior to undergo emergency surgery.
The researchers advised the elderly to consider the possible dangers to owning and walking a dog. They said: "For older adults - especially those living alone and decreased bone mineral density - the risks associated walking leashed dogs merit consideration." They added: "Even one injury could result a potentially lethal hip fracture, lifelong complications, or the loss their independence." Lead researcher Dr Jaimo Ahn blamed what he termed as a "small person/big dog" scenario many the accidents. He said a dog is sometimes mismatched its owner's inability and strength to handle it. One elderly dog owner said: "Old people need dogs. We need our soul mates.
