Pets: A Life-Saving Health Benefit
By
Jack Taylor
Posted March 14, 2022
I don’t often talk about the merits of owning a pet, but believe it or not, pet ownership can do wonders for your physical and mental health.
According to the CDC, frequent walking or playing with pets can decrease your blood pressure, your cholesterol levels, and provide much-needed companionship that can help reduce the risk of loneliness and depression.
And if that’s not enough to help sweeten the deal to sway you into owning a pet, then you’ll want to keep reading…
Because there’s a new study that has found that owning a pet can help you live longer… and even help prevent the onset of a life-shattering disease that targets seniors.
According to a research study out of the University of Michigan, owning a pet after the age of 65 can slow mental decline, which can help prevent the onset of dementia.
The study found that long-term pet owners (folks who owned a pet for least five years), on average, had a cognitive composite score that was 1.2 points higher six years later compared to non-pet owners.
This is important because a traditional, hallmark sign of dementia is a sharp decline in cognitive scores.
But how exactly can pets help prevent this?
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This Food Could Be Growing Deadly Tumors
Study authors point to pets and their unique ability to help reduce STRESS – which is well-documented as a trigger for long-term mental decline.
It should be noted that the study didn’t specify which “type” of pet was most beneficial in preventing mental decline… but regardless, it’s yet another added health benefit of owning a pet.
It should also be noted that pet ownership isn’t for everyone. Pets are a big responsibility and commitment (no matter what your age).
But if you are ready to take the plunge in to pet ownership, it’s important to make sure you’re 100% ready.
This is a great checklist for first time pet owners to use to ensure you’re getting the right pet for your home, if you have allergies, and what to expect in terms of cost.
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