Lower Stress
This is the big one, especially for those who are aging. It turns out that people with pets are far less likely to suffer from depression, and the more attached you are to your pet, the more profound this response is going to be. One study even found that stockbrokers who adopted pets saw their blood pressure drop significantly compared to their pet-less counterparts.
When we’re stressed, our bodies emit chemicals like norepinephrine and cortisol, which are damaging to the immune system, drive up blood pressure, and can contribute to a buildup of plaque in the arteries. One way to counteract this is by raising levels of other chemicals, like dopamine and serotonin. Some people do this through cocaine or alcohol, but a much healthier way to get more of these feel-good chemicals is by interacting with our pets.
Exercise
Not every pet helps us get more exercise, but dogs are especially good at it. A dog is like having a treadmill you can’t ignore! Even if you have just a small dog with a minimum of exercise needs, you still have to take him outside at least twice a day for a quick stroll. And studies show that people walking animals tend to walk almost 30% faster.
This effect is so profound that people who own dogs are more likely to reach their physical fitness goals than those without. They’re also 34% more likely to get in that recommended 150 minutes of walking per week. Even insurance companies know this: Midland Life Insurance in Ohio, for example, is open about the fact they are more likely to give applicants over 75 a policy if they own a pet.
Humans have had pets since time out of mind. They are our companions; they bring us joy, they motivate us to exercise: and they even lower stress! Now might be a good time to consider a pet of your own, and for more tips on healthy living over time, keep up with Aging Healthy Today!
