Pet Owners and Longevity

by taylorevance@gmail.com | February 13, 2017 7:40 am

Do pet owners live longer lives? Studies are showing that pet owners do in fact live longer lives. However, those same studies are beginning to show that pet owners may also live healthier and happier lives.

There are many benefits to owning a pet. Pets bring what is known as unconditional love to a human owner. Human beings can give unconditionally in the caring of a pet as well.

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If you are uncertain as to whether or not you become a pet owner, here are several reasons why it is a wise choice indeed.

Getting Zen with Your Pets

Did you know that hanging out with your dog or cuddling up to your cat could offer you stress relief? Even a simple act of watching your fish do their thing can relax you.

When you feel stressed, your body reacts to that perceived threat. Your body produces and releases hormones known as cortisol and adrenaline. The effects on your body are those of rapid heart rate, tensing of muscles, and an increase in your blood pressure. Owning and interacting with a pet reduces the effects of stress on the human body.

Not only does the human body receive benefits from interacting with pets, so does the human mind. When there is a decrease in these stress-releasing hormones, the body is in a state of relaxation. If the body is relaxed, then so is the mind. In reverse, if the mind is relaxed, then so too is the body.

Keeping Fit

Chances are if you have a pet, most especially a canine pet, you will also be more active. Dogs need walking and exercise just as their human owners do. Walking with your dog offers the benefit of keeping fit in many ways. Walking releases stress, eases the mind, provides physical fitness, and offers an opportunity to socialize with neighbors and other pet walkers.

Socialization

Pet owners have more of an opportunity to socialize compared to those who do not own pets. Have you ever gone to the park and noticed how many people stop to talk to a dog owner? Dogs offer many ways to meet and greet new people. Walking in parks, attending dog shows, or going to a dog park are all wonderful ways to meet new people.

Alleviating Loneliness

Another great benefit of pet ownership is that pets can and do alleviate loneliness. Elderly persons reap the most rewards of owning or playing with a pet. Loneliness can be a terrible experience and a pet provides company. If you own a pet, chances are that loneliness will decrease and happiness will increase.

These are just a few great reasons to own a pet and a few ways to show that pet owners really do live longer lives.

Pet Owners and Longevity

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