While any pet owner can agree to the many advantages of having a furry friend in the house, numerous reputable periodicals and medical journals have published studies verifying the health benefits of senior pet ownership.
Research has indicated that a person’s relationship with their pet can improve happiness, reduce stress, and promote physical fitness. Some of the health advantages associated with having a pet include: lowered blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels, lower levels of feeling isolated and greater opportunities for socialization.
According to the research, which was published in JAMA Neurology, older folks who live alone with pet companions see a slower rate of cognitive function decline than those who do not have pets.
These results suggest that pet ownership might be a viable substitute for those whose social situation prevents them from interacting with others on a regular basis.
Top Health Benefits of Pet Ownership
Stress relief
When you see adorable pet photos shared by friends on social media, you’ve undoubtedly experienced a surge of happiness. It is also beneficial for you to be physically around animals.
Studies have indicated that the stress hormone cortisol is reduced when a dog is petted.You feel less stressed overall and your blood pressure goes down as a result.
Maintaining a routine
Everyone who owns a dog or cat is aware of who truly sets the rules for mealtimes. Your dog has to wake up every morning, so you do too. Humans can benefit from having that gentle nudge to waking up. Maintaining a routine and prioritizing someone or something else over yourself might help you both mentally and physically.
Social support
Additionally, having a pet helps strengthen human bonds. How many times have you gone out for a stroll with your dog (or cat!) and noticed random people striking up a conversation just because your beloved pet is so adorable?
Animals become your friends and members of the family. Having a pet at home can make you feel less lonely and more social.
Physical activity
An active lifestyle is essential for maintaining brain health. Most experts agree that for people to be healthy, they should engage in moderate-intensity cardio exercise for at least 150 minutes per week.
Beyond better mental health, there are other benefits of physical exercise like improved weight management, increased muscular strength and cardio-respiratory fitness, and a lower chance of developing chronic illnesses and serious diseases including diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
While cats aren’t often the most active animals—though they can be fun when they feel like it—you can get a good amount of exercise from a dog, particularly if they enjoy going for walks. Fortunately, vigorous walking also qualifies as moderate-intensity exercise for you.
While owning a pet can benefit your cognitive health, there are other actions you can take to sustain healthy brain function. This can involve making adjustments to one’s nutrition, level of physical activity, and amount of social interaction.
References:
Alzheimer Society of Canada. Dementia numbers in Canada. https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/what-dementia/dementia-numbers-canada
Jama Network. Pet Ownership, Living Alone, and Cognitive Decline Among Adults 50 Years and Older. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2813138
Cleveland Clinic. The Health Benefits of Pets. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-having-a-pet-of-any-kind-may-boost-your-mood-and-keep-your-brain-healthy/
The Gerontologist. Dog Walking, the Human–Animal Bond and Older Adults’ Physical Health. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnw051