The Friend Who Keeps You Young
Courtesy of John Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org
Caring for a pet is great for your physical and emotional
health. A Johns Hopkins expert shares the proven
connections--plus ways to benefit even if you're not ready
for the full-time responsibility of an animal.
Adopting a pet may seem like a selfless act, but there are
plenty of selfish reasons to embrace pet ownership.
Research has shown that owning a pet provides an amazing
array of health benefits, says
director of the Beacham Center for Geriatric Medicine at
Johns Hopkins.
Not ready for a full-time furry friend in your home? Offer to walk a neighbor's dog, cat-sit for a friend, or
donate time at a local animal shelter--even short interactions provide enough pet exposure to reap some of
these rewards.
Reduce stress.
Research has shown that simply petting a dog lowers the stress hormone
, while the social interaction
between people and their dogs actually increases levels of the feel-good hormone
hormone that bonds mothers to babies).
In fact, an astonishing 84 percent of
patients paired with a service dog
reported a significant reduction in symptoms, and 40 percent were able to decrease their medications,
reported a recent survey.
Lower blood pressure.
The cortisol-lowering and oxytocin-boosting benefits of petting also help keep your blood pressure at bay.
"Petting and holding an animal allows you to appreciate the beauty of nature," explains Barron. "It's relaxing
and transcendental."
Increase physical activity.
How many people are willing to go outside at the crack of dawn and exercise in the rain or snow? Dog owners
often have no choice--they have to walk their pet, thus providing them with an excuse-proof daily dose of
exercise.
Boost heart health.
The American Heart Association released a research report endorsing dog ownership as a way of warding
off
Ease loneliness and depression.
A 2011 study found that pet owners had better self-esteem. Another study determined that pets provided
greater
than humans in mitigating depression. "Caring for a pet provides a sense of purpose to
the owner," says Barron. Plus, pets are a good social catalyst for meeting people who share your animal
interests.
Help specific health concerns.
Beyond simple companionship, dogs have long been wonderful helpers to those without sight or with
mobility issues. Dogs are even being used to help detect conditions from seizures to cancer.