Brits would rather go on a walk with their pet than their partner, Memory Walk survey reveals

• Younger generation and women are more likely to pick their pet over their partner
• Brits’ favourite walking locations also revealed in new survey from Alzheimer’s Society to discover the nation’s walking habits
• Survey results show more than 3 in 5 (61%) Brits have said that daily walking improved their mental wellbeing during lockdown.

Brits' favourite walking companions

New data from Alzheimer’s Society, released ahead of its flagship Memory Walk events this Autumn, reveals that 44% of the nation’s pet owners would prefer to take a walk with their four-legged friends over their partner¹.

Of this figure, 13% did not have a walkable pet but said they would still rather walk with their pet over their partner².

The survey, funded by the players of People’s Postcode Lottery, also revealed that of pet owners, women are 10% more likely to pick their pet compared to men, and around half of animal loving 16–24-year-olds would also pick their pet over their partner³, compared to just 30% of 55-73-year olds⁴. 

Brits' favourite places to walk

The new data also uncovers British people’s favourite place to walk. Almost half of respondents said the beach or seafront is their favourite go-to place for a stroll, followed by woods or forests⁵.

The joys of promenading along a beach seem to come with age, as almost 60% (59%) of over-55s picked this route as their favourite – twice that of 16–24-year-olds; the majority of whom preferred a woodland walk⁶. Around 60% of respondents said that their daily walk during Covid lockdowns helped to improve their mental health⁷.

Brits' favourite times to go for a walk

The data also found that, on average, the most popular time Brits like to go for a walk is 12:40pm, with early-bird Traditionalists (over 75s) getting out the earliest at around 11:11am, and millennials (24–42-year-olds) going out nearly two hours later at 1:17pm⁸.

Time to put your best foot forward

Alzheimer’s Society is calling on everyone to don their walking gear and take part in Memory Walk 2021 to unite against dementia.

People can join one of 19 organised walks taking place across the UK, or they can organise their own with friends and family at a location of their choice.

Covid has hit people with dementia the hardest, accounting for over a quarter of all deaths in the UK. 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 a half million times since lockdown began in March 2020.

Alzheimer’s Society is asking people to put their best foot forward and raise what they can to support the 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK.

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 across the three nations.

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.'

Care home worker Tracie Mundy’s mum Kathleen was diagnosed with mixed dementia in January said:

'On the day Mum received her dementia diagnosis, I caught coronavirus from an outbreak at the care home where I work. It was a double blow, not only were we shocked to discover that Mum had dementia - I also couldn’t be there to comfort and be with her like she so desperately needed.

The pandemic has been horrendous for families like ours, and I can only sympathise with people facing the same situation up and down the country.

'I really enjoy doing Memory Walks for Alzheimer’s Society to help support people who may not know who to turn to after having their lives changed so much by this cruel condition. The help I received was invaluable and I would urge people to sign up and take part.'

Kate Lee, CEO at Alzheimer’s Society, said:

'It’s amusing but not at all surprising to hear that, as a nation of animal lovers, we would much rather go for a walk with our pets than our partners!

'This last year has been devastating for people 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. 

We are so thankful to everyone for lacing up their walking shoes and taking on a Memory Walk – with or without their beloved pets – because every penny raised can make a huge difference to the lives of people with dementia in the aftermath of Covid.

'Since March 2020, Alzheimer’s Society’s services, including our Dementia Connect support line, have been used over five and a half million times, offering a lifeline to those affected by dementia, showing our services are needed now more than ever.'