There are many obvious benefits to pet parenting — unconditional love and limitless affection, for example. But there are also health benefits to living with a dog or cat that aren’t as well-known, particularly for older Americans.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionThis link will open in a new tab. (CDC), pets “increase opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities, [contribute to] better cognitive function in older adults, and [provide] more opportunities to socialize.” Having a pet is also linked to health benefits such as decreased blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. Pet ownership is even associated with reduced feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and PTSD.
“We have three dogs and I can tell you firsthand about the important role pets play in keeping us grateful, grounded and in the moment, especially in these difficult times,” said Gary Culp, the chief growth officer for Cigna’s Medicare Advantage businessThis link will open in a new tab.. “Pets are truly an important and beloved part of my family, just like they are in so many U.S. households.”
Recognizing the value pet parenting adds to human health, CignaThis link will open in a new tab. is working with NationwideThis link will open in a new tab., the nation’s leading pet insurer, to educate older adults about how to reap the health benefits of owning a pet. Below we deep dive into some of the physical and mental health benefits that pets bring to older adults.
10-Companionship Pets:
As we get older, loneliness can increasingly become a problem. This can create issues with depression or physical pain that can affect our daily lives. One of the best ways to offset this issue is to adopt a furry companion who will stick with you and love you relentlessly; dogs make the perfect companions! You needn’t worry about them being unavailable or going off duty – they will just as quickly adapt to your schedule as they do their own. And if you want the convenience of having your pet travel with you wherever you go, then smaller breeds are definitely the way to go. With a dog in your life, loneliness should no longer be an unwelcome member of your life.
9-Pets Make Their Owners Feel Needed:
Caring for a living being is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. It offers a sense of purpose and helps to establish structure and routine in our daily lives. Not only is it beneficial to us humans, but enriching the lives of animals can have a positive effect on physical and mental health too. Research has shown that owning a pet leads to less stress, with nearly three-quarters of pet owners acknowledging this calming effect. Pets can also provide comfort during difficult times and offer unconditional love, bringing joy and helping to give our lives purpose and meaning.
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8-Having a Routine:
Having a dog as a pet is surely a joy and definitely an important responsibility. Daily tasks such as walks, disciplining, feeding, and playing with the pup can easily become tiresome for some; however, these routine activities can also be seen differently- providing us with structure and something to consider in life. In a way, dogs develop a special bond with their humans- they look up to you to do things like get out of bed on time or feed them promptly! Plus, it’s hard not to be happy when you come back home to a loving pup that wants your undivided attention. All in all, having a dog is certainly no easy job but the companionship along with the endless possibilities of love are more than worth it.
7-Pets Help Their Owners Form Connections with other People:
Pets have many amazing benefits for their owners, both emotionally and physically. Not only do they provide us with companionship and unconditional love, but researchThis link will open in a new tab. has shown that having a pet can contribute to the building of a strong social support network. This is beneficial both mentally and physically; people who forge meaningful social connections tend to lead healthier lives overall. Pets can even help you make connections with others more easily, as pet owners are much more likely than non-pet owners to meet others in their neighborhoods. Taking your furry friend out for walks around town can be an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the locals, so go ahead and get socializing!
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6-Exercise with Pets:
People of all ages should make regular physical exercise part of their daily routine. Unfortunately, it can be hard to find the motivation and discipline necessary to stay consistent with any type of exercise plan. One solution is to get a dog! Having a lovable companion that needs daily walks can make you more likely to stick with your commitment to regular physical exercise. Not only will your furry friend benefit from the additional physical activity, but you’ll also be more likely to reap the rewards of improved health and well-being associated with regular workouts.
5-Pets Help Relieve Feelings of Loneliness and Isolation:
The findings of Cigna’s survey are concerning and underscored the need for more comprehensive approaches to reduce loneliness in America. Pets can play a part in reducing our sense of loneliness, creating an opportunity for companionship. Not only were owners found to experience improved mental health outcomes in comparison to older adults without pets, studies suggest that animal ownership can enhance life satisfaction and make people feel less isolated. Pet ownership offers other health benefits as well; research indicates that pets can reduce blood pressure, cholesterol levels, feelings of depression and stress in their owners through physical contact and conditioning.
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4-Pets Help People be Mindful:
Mindfulness is an invaluable tool that helps us manage our stress levels and cultivate inner peace. Mindful.org defines mindfulness as “the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.” Too often, the hustle and bustle of life causes us to pay more attention to external factors than the feelings within ourselves – but this can leave us with an imbalanced sense of well-being. One way of connecting back with mindfulness is through the unconditional love of our beloved pets. Whether it be a dog, cat or other type of pet, playing or cuddling with them can help you stay in the moment and savor each second together. A recent studyThis link will open in a new tab. even found that 87% of people said they feel relaxed after spending time with their pets; this is especially true for those who tend to worry too much – as their pet helps them stay connected to the ‘now’ as opposed to thoughts about the future or past. In sum, mindful moments with your pet are necessary for finding balance and peace in chaotic modern day living
3-Pets can Speed up Recovery:
A positive outlook is key to recovery, and pets prove helpful in this process. The pet visitation programs implemented in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care centers have shown both emotional and physical benefits for those recovering from illnesses or injuries. Specifically, studies suggest that dogs are essential when it comes to helping older patients with physical disabilities. According to the University of Michigan’s study sponsored by AARP, a majority of older adults found that with their pets by their side, it helped them cope with psychological ailments such as anxiety and depression as well as physical pain. The very presence of a pet can provide comfort during recovery in more ways than one.
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2-Making New Friends :
Whether you’re looking to make new human friends or just do something good for animals, there are lots of great shared activities out there for pet owners. Going on communal walks is a great way to get some fresh air and potentially meet others with pets. Local organizations that serve animals and the environment often put together exciting and worthwhile charitable events or projects where animal lovers can get involved. Pets recognize the good feeling of helping others, too – so why not join in the fun and make some wonderful memories? It’s always nice to have an extra paw along when volunteering or getting outdoors.
1-Protection;
Having a dog at home can provide security in unexpected and effective ways. A thief or anyone who has malicious intent will often stay away from a house that has a barking dog. Even if the canine is weighing only twelve pounds when soaking wet, the intruder won’t be aware of this fact and might feel intimidated. Dogs are not just reliable guard dogs protecting their owners and territory, they also make great family pets and home companions – proving that protection coming from our loyal four-legged friends is priceless!
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