Pets: True LIFE-SAVERS?! (Surprising)

I know what you’re probably thinking…

Sarah, why in the world are you talking about PETS today?!

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 which helps 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 a new study has found that owning a pet can help you live longer… and may even prevent the onset of a life-shattering disease that targets seniors…

A research study out of the University of Michigan found that 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 hallmark sign of dementia is a sharp decline in cognitive scores.

How exactly do pets help prevent this from happening?

Study authors point to pets and their unique ability to help us reduce STRESS – a well-documented trigger for long-term mental decline.

It should be noted that pet ownership isn’t for everyone. Pets are a big responsibility and commitment (no matter your age).

However, if you are ready to take the plunge into pet ownership, or perhaps have been on the fence about getting a pet, let this serve as a reminder to their many benefits – both emotional and physical!

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.

To the power of pets,

Sarah Reagan

Sources:

Study Finds. “Owning a pet can slow mental decline in older adults.” https://studyfinds.org/owning-pet-slow-mental-decline/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “How to Stay Healthy Around Pets.” https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/keeping-pets-and-people-healthy/how.html