​The Anti-Aging Benefits of Having Pets

Pets...benefit or burden? Both, I guess, but does the advantage of having a pet and all that means outweigh the effort that it takes to make the relationship work? We baby boomers are getting older, no surprise there, but the surprise to many of us is that many of us are living alone. Huge changes. Perhaps loss of a spouse, financial constraints or health issues.

A pet to share one’s life can create an amazing improvement in our outlook and well-being, from better health to increased longevity. We benefit from pet companionship, and the pet benefits from a home with a loving, attentive person who isn’t away at work all day.

The health and anti-aging advantages of pets are numerous. Having a pet to love and care for can reduce depression, ease feelings of loneliness, give us a reason to get up in the morning and provide mental stimulation. The presence of an animal may lower blood pressure and draw the older person’s focus away from his or her own physical problems and loss. Dogs and other pets live in the moment. They don’t worry about the future or dwell in the past, which makes them good role models for older people whose own mindset may benefit from such an influence.

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