Prevent Aging Now
Owning a pet can help you live longer, scientific journals report. Our four-legged friends reduce stress and are good for your physical, mental and emotional health.
Your furry friend could extend your life. A study by Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association, says having a dog is linked with living longer.
Scientists found dog owners were likely to live longer than those who didn’t have dogs. For instance, dog owners had a 24% risk reduction for death from any cause, according to the study. For people with heart problems, living with a dog had an even greater benefit, authors said.
Many potentially life-extending benefits of dog ownership are traced partly to an increase in physical activity from walking the dog. As a result, dog owners are less likely to die from heart disease compared with non-owners.
Due to local shelters overflowing with animals, there are numerous reasons to take a pet home and add a new furry member for your family.
Reasons to Get a Pet
1. Animals reduce stress and boost your mood
Research shows our pets help relieve stress and enhance mood. Indiana University Media School reported that people who viewed cat videos felt less sad, anxious, or annoyed. Because of this, they felt more positive after they watched the videos online.
2. Pets increase your physical activity
Research shows people with pets get more exercise and keep active, resulting with weight control and better overall health.
3. Pets are good for your heart health
The American Heart Association published a study in the journal “Circulation,” that reported an evaluation of studies of pet ownership and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Results show that “there is a substantial body of data that suggests that pet ownership is associated with a reduction in CVD risk factors [e.g., heart rate, blood pressure].” They saw an increased survival in individuals with established CVD who owned pets.”
4. Having pets can help kids read
Children who have difficulty reading do better when they read to a dog who is patient and gives them unconditional love.