Pet Ownership Modulates Cognitive Functioning and Mindreading Among Older Adults

Virtual · October 2025

Poster · Developmental Psychology

Wing Yung Wong
The University of Hong Kong School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE) Po Leung Kuk Stanley Ho Community College, China
Sara Tze Kwan Li
Hong Kong Metropolitan University

Abstract

This study examines how pet ownership influences cognitive functioning and mindreading among older adults. Old pet owners are hypothesized to outperform old non-pet owners in cognitive and mindreading tasks. It potentially reveals whether and how pet ownership could build cognitive reserve and decelerate cognitive decline among older adults.

Aging

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Pet Ownership Modulates Cognitive Functioning and Mindreading Among Older Adults

Abstract

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