Quck answer
Numerous studies suggest that owning a pet can help you live longer. Pets can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase physical activity. A study done in Sweden found that dog owners had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and lived longer than those without dogs. Another study showed that cat owners had lower stress levels and a decreased risk of heart attack. Overall, owning a pet can have numerous health benefits that can lead to a longer, healthier life.
Pets
The ownership of pets can provide several health benefits.
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The majority of households in the United States, over 60%, own pets, spending $41 billion on pet care every year [source: APPMA]. It may seem like a lot, but owning a pet could potentially add years to a person’s life, making it a wise investment.
A study conducted by the Minnesota Stroke Institute, which followed more than 4,000 cat owners for a decade, found that owning a cat can significantly decrease the likelihood of dying from heart disease [source: Mundell]. The study showed that individuals who owned cats were 30% less likely to have a heart attack. Although the study did not include data on dogs, researchers believe that a similar study would produce comparable results.
This study adds to the existing evidence that shows how animals can benefit human health. Psychologists suggest that owning a dog can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels [source: BVA]. Other research indicates that pets can improve overall wellbeing and help individuals cope with stress, which can lead to illness [sources: Laino, BBC News].
Furthermore, pets can be particularly beneficial for the elderly. One study observed neural activity in seniors while they interacted with a dog or went for a walk with one [source: Motooka]. The study found that seniors experienced a boost in parasympathetic nervous system activity when accompanied by a dog, which is beneficial as it helps the body relax and remain calm.
For some reason, pets seem to have a unique effect on their owners. On the following page, learn more about the incredible ways in which pets can improve health. Can a dog truly predict seizures and detect cancer?
Additional Health Benefits of Pets
Service dogs can assist disabled individuals with simple tasks.
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There are countless stories about the healing power of pets. For example, one boy who had not spoken for six years began speaking again after a therapy dog visited his school [CBS News]. Organizations like the Delta Society train dogs to help disabled individuals with tasks. The Delta Society is committed to promoting awareness and services related to the health benefits of animals to humans.
The psychological benefits of owning pets can have a significant impact on a person’s life. This is especially true for children who are struggling with death or illness in their family. Studies have shown that children who have dogs cope better with these challenging situations [source: Howie]. Researchers suggest this is because pets provide love and the structured routine of taking care of a pet is beneficial for children. Pets can also be beneficial for spouses of cancer patients, helping them cope with the difficulties they face.
Dogs have benefits beyond psychological factors, and can be used in the field of medicine to detect and predict medical problems. A study showed that trained dogs were able to identify patients with bladder cancer by smelling their urine, although they were not accurate all the time. Dogs can also predict when their owner is about to suffer an epileptic seizure, and some dogs can even warn their owner before it happens. Prisoners in the U.S. can train dogs to perform services for disabled people, which can contribute to better behavior and rehabilitation. For more information, there are related articles and links provided.
A list of sources related to the benefits of pet ownership can be found below. These sources include articles from news outlets such as CBS News and BBC News, as well as studies published in medical journals. The sources discuss various ways in which pets, particularly dogs and cats, can have positive effects on human health, such as reducing stress and improving cardiovascular health. Additionally, some sources highlight the ways in which pets can assist individuals with disabilities or help train inmates in rehabilitation programs.
FAQ
1. Can owning a pet really help you live longer?
Studies have shown that owning a pet can have a positive impact on your health. Pets can help lower blood pressure, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase physical activity, all of which can help you live longer.
2. What kind of pets are best for improving health and longevity?
Any kind of pet can provide health benefits, but dogs and cats are the most popular and well-studied. Dogs require regular walks and playtime, which can increase physical activity, while cats can provide comfort and companionship.
3. How does owning a pet reduce stress and anxiety?
Pets provide unconditional love and support, which can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Simply petting a dog or cat can release feel-good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin, which can help improve mood and reduce stress.
4. Can owning a pet help with depression?
Some studies have found that owning a pet can help with symptoms of depression. Pets can provide companionship and a sense of purpose, which can help improve mood and reduce feelings of loneliness.
5. Are there any downsides to owning a pet?
While owning a pet can have many health benefits, it’s important to remember that pets also require time, money, and attention. They can also cause allergies or transmit diseases, so it’s important to take proper precautions.
6. Do certain breeds of dogs or cats provide more health benefits than others?
There is no evidence to suggest that certain breeds of dogs or cats provide more health benefits than others. It’s important to choose a pet based on your personality and lifestyle, rather than solely for health reasons.
7. Can owning a pet help children live longer?
There is some evidence to suggest that children who grow up with pets may have stronger immune systems and be less likely to develop allergies or asthma. However, more research is needed to confirm this.
8. How can I ensure that owning a pet is beneficial for my health?
To ensure that owning a pet is beneficial for your health, it’s important to choose a pet that fits your lifestyle and to provide them with proper care. This includes regular veterinary check-ups, exercise, and a healthy diet.
9. Can owning a pet help seniors live longer?
Studies have shown that owning a pet can be especially beneficial for seniors. Pets can provide companionship, reduce feelings of loneliness, and increase physical activity, all of which can help improve overall health and longevity.
10. Are there any risks to owning a pet if you have a weakened immune system?
If you have a weakened immune system, owning a pet can increase your risk of contracting certain diseases or infections. It’s important to discuss any potential risks with your doctor and to take proper precautions, such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding contact with pet waste.
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