Residents reveal they would rather go on a walk with their pet than their partner

New data from Alzheimer’s Society, released ahead of its flagship Memory Walk events this Autumn, reveals that 40% of Liverpool’s pet owners would prefer to take a walk with their four-legged friends over their partner[. Of this figure, 10% did not have a walkable pet and said they would still rather choose to walk with their pet over their partner[.

The charity’s survey, funded by the players of People’s Postcode Lottery, also uncovered around 63% respondents said that their daily walk during Covid lockdowns helped to improve their mental health2.

Alzheimer’s Society is calling on everyone to don their walking gear and take part in the Liverpool Memory Walk on Sunday 5 September at Aintree Racecourse, Ormskirk Road, Aintree, Liverpool, L9 5AS to unite against dementia. People can also organise their own Memory Walk at a time and location of their choosing with or without their beloved pets and partners throughout September.

Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador and Actor, Vicky McClure said: “After so long being cooped up in lockdown, it’s going to be really emotional to see lots of people taking part in Memory Walks. I absolutely love supporting Memory Walks – it’s an incredible feeling coming together to walk with lots of other people who are also remembering loved ones with dementia, and it’s also great to be able to get out walking together.

People with dementia were so cruelly affected by the pandemic – they need our support more than ever – so please join me in signing up to take part in Memory Walk, whether on your own or at an event and help us unite against dementia.”

Covid has hit the 33,357 people living with dementia in Merseyside, Cheshire and the Isle of Man particularly hard. Prolonged isolation, social care service reductions and a loss of routine and social interaction have led to shocking levels of decline in thousands of people with dementia. Alzheimer’s Society’s support services, like its Dementia Connect support line, have been used over five and half million times nationally since lockdown began in March 2020.

Clive Elliott, Independent Governor at Edge Hill University in Ormskirk and who was born in Liverpool but now lives in Cheshire, said about his mum Marjorie who was also born in Liverpool:

“Mum, who is now 92-years-old, started to show signs of dementia in her early 80s and was diagnosed at the age of 84. She deteriorated more after the passing of my father and is now in a care home in Chester and doesn’t appear to recognise myself or my brother anymore. She is no longer able to speak coherently or do anything for herself. All her needs are met by the staff at the Grosvenor Villas, Chester care home for which we are grateful”.

“I heard about the Memory Walk on the radio and thought this would be a great thing to do knowing how dementia blights so many lives. Myself, my wife and two friends will be doing the walk to help raise awareness and money towards further research into the condition. We are very much looking forward to doing the Liverpool Memory Walk and urge others to take part in the walk too”.

Steve Green, Alzheimer’s Society Area Manager for Merseyside, Cheshire and Isle of Man, said: “We love to see our fundraisers team up with their four-legged friends at our Memory Walk events, so we are amused, but not surprised, by the survey results. Whether walkers choose to walk with their dog or their family and friends this Autumn, they will be making a huge difference to the lives of people with dementia in the aftermath of Covid and beyond.

“This last year has been devastating for people living in Liverpool with dementia, their carers and their families. Many sadly passed away, and many more have got so much worse, while isolated from those they love and unable to continue their usual daily activities and routines. As a result, our services have never been needed more.

“We are looking forward to see our walkers join forces with their pooches, and loved ones, at the Liverpool Memory Walk on Sunday 5 September at Aintree Racecourse, Ormskirk Road, Aintree, Liverpool, L9 5AS or on the paths and pavements of their choosing throughout September and are thankful for everyone lacing up their boots this Autumn to support this vital cause.”