Teaching an old dog new tricks.

[Catherine]

Buddy was a special dog and you kept him engaged and as alert as possible. Dogs and other animals do get senile towards the end. I am glad Buddy was good until the end. He lived a good life.

Some animals do seem to lose their mental edge long before the end. It would be good if there was a way to keep them alert. 
Letting them make their own way makes sense. Even if a dog doesn't see well I am sure it will find its way if you give it time. I know hearing fades, but using some kind of signs works. Actual computer games though are a whole different level of training for the brain. It might take more study to know if it would work.

I think social interactions fight off senility more than anything. They keep the brain engaged. As we have aging pets we are going to need to find ways to help them age well. In the same way we are trying to learn how to help people age well.