What would you do if we told you that you could add twenty years to your life by taking a few pills or having an injection? Furthermore, the extra twenty years would be years of good health. It is unlikely that you would believe us, right? However, during the past several decades, research has been conducted to understand better what happens as we grow old and what factors are responsible for those changes.
Although aging has always been obvious, what happens within our bodies to generate those effects has not.
Experts are studying dogs as part of their research on the aging process. Even though studying dogs may not seem the most apparent approach to studying human aging, our canine companions may provide us with vital biological knowledge we cannot get from ourselves. It is fair to assume that most dog owners see their dogs as family members. Our furry companions provide us happiness and comfort, and their playful antics never fail to make us laugh.
According to the findings of a recent study, our canine companions may lessen the chance of early death by as much as one-third, proving once and for all that dogs are indeed man’s greatest friend.
Compared with people who didn’t own dogs, people who did own dogs had a lower risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality over 12 years, according to a study that included more than 3.4 million adults. This was especially true for people who lived alone and had their dogs as their sole companions.
This study, just published in Scientific Reports, is the most recent addition to an ever-expanding body of data that hints that having a canine friend may be beneficial to human health, particularly for people who live alone.
Researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden studied national registry records of Swedish men and women ages 40 to 80 to investigate the possible link between owning a dog and living a long life. They concentrated on 3.4 million people with no history of cardiovascular disease in 2001. They tracked their health records for around 12 years, looking at whether they registered as a dog owner and had a dog at the time. In Sweden, dog ownership registration is required by law, and the nation maintains a database that documents every patient’s visit to a hospital.
They discovered that people who owned dogs had a decreased risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease and a lower mortality rate from other causes than those who did not report having a dog in their household. Even after considering other factors, such as smoking history, body mass index, and socioeconomic standing, this was still the case.
Researchers have also found that people who own dogs had a lower reaction to stress and quicker blood pressure recovery after exposure to stressful situations.
What are some other benefits of owning a dog?
Owning a Dog Can Help You Relax
Playing catch with your fluffy friend or running your fingers through your dog’s hair may be very relaxing. Therefore, according to several studies, these interactions increase the amount of dopamine and serotonin in the blood. Both chemicals assist us in relaxing and maintaining our composure.
Dogs Help Us Laugh More
According to the findings of some studies, pet owners laugh more frequently than people with no pets. One of the best things about this is that it has a variety of positive effects on both one’s mental and physical health.
Having a dog lowers your cholesterol and triglycerides levels. The presence of dogs in our lives may have a beneficial effect not only on our ability to relax but also on our blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglycerides.
Dogs Can Stimulate Your Immune System
It might not make sense initially, but having a dog helps maintain our health. Because they introduce germs into the house that our bodies would not usually be exposed to, our immune systems are stimulated due to their presence.
Owning a Dog Can Give You a Sense of Purpose
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When a person has a dog that needs to be cared for, the routine and purposeful activities of feeding, watering, and playing with their four-legged friend offer structure and routine.
Dogs Can Boost Your Confidence
When you get a pet, you take on the responsibility of caring for another living thing. This implies that you must act decisively and maintain control in the face of unforeseen circumstances. Building your self-confidence and giving yourself the impression that you are in control of the situation can be facilitated by gaining the ability to react rapidly when necessary.
Dogs Can Help with the Sleepwalking Disorder
Sleepwalking can be harmful. Many potential dangers can be mitigated when adopting a service dog that has received proper training. A dog can be taught to shut doors and windows and move obstructions out of the way. They can also accompany their owner while they are sleepwalking and act as a guide for them.
Dogs Can Help with Depression
Dogs can alleviate the symptoms of depression in their owners in a few different ways. Simply engaging with a canine can cause a rise in the human body’s endorphin, oxytocin, and dopamine levels. These substances produce a pleasant sensation in the body. In addition, having a dog in the home instills a sense of structure and routine in its owners, which helps keep them from spending the entire day in bed. A sense of duty and achievement is also bestowed upon owners by their animal companions. Each of these things has the potential to assist a person in overcoming depression.
The list can go on and on! There are numerous advantages to keeping a furry companion, regardless of age, marital status, or the presence of children.
Our Final Thoughts
Whether you want to live long or want a companion, owning a dog may be the thing you’re looking for! What’s better than coming home and seeing your furry little best friend wagging its tail in excitement?
