For most people, friendship is a necessary part of a happy life. Now science tells us we’re happier and healthier even when those friends are furry or feathered.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and feelings of loneliness. On the up side, pets can increase opportunities for exercise, outdoor activities and socialization.
The American Heart Association has even linked the ownership of pets, especially dogs, with greater longevity and a reduced risk for heart disease.
“Any pet parent will tell you there are obvious, immediate joys that come
with owning a pet. They entertain us, and they offer companionship and affection,” said Michael Graham, executive director of The Haven, “But now we’re learning that they’re as good for us physically as they are mentally.”
A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found pet owners age 65-plus make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets. Pet owners averaged 8.42 visits to the doctor during the year, versus 9.49 visits for people without pets. Dog owners had an average of 8.20 visits, so it appears when it comes to healthier pet owners, it really is a dog’s life.
Pets have even been found to decrease the symptoms of aggression and “sundowning,” or behavioral changes later in the day, in Alzheimer’s patients, according to a study published in the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing.
Graham said, “Pets are a source of positive, nonverbal communication, though most pet owners admit to having daily conversations with their animals. And, my dogs don’t care if they’ve heard the story before,” he joked.
Graham is bringing adoptable pets to the Baldwin County Senior Lifestyle Expo on October 1. He will be at the fairgrounds with The Haven’s Mobile Adoption Rescue Unit.
About The Haven
The Haven began implementing life-saving programs for abandoned, abused and neglected animals in Baldwin County in 2000. The nonprofit, no-kill shelter is a 501{c}3 organization and at any given time, about 60-70 animals call the shelter home. The animal shelter works together with like-minded organizations and municipal animal control shelters to create a no-kill Baldwin County. Because of the work of The Haven, more than 6,000 homeless cats and dogs have a found their life-loving home.