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Pet Lovers Live Longer by linda sechrist
I
t turns out that our quest for longevity may have a secret helps lower blood pressure, encourages exercise and improves
weapon. Numerous research studies by universities and psychological health. In part that’s because, “For many people,
veterinary schools have turned up evidence that supports pets also provide a reason to get moving,” explains Rebecca
what most pet owners have long known—having a pet as a Johnson, professor of gerontological nursing and director of
companion brings healthy side effects. the Research Center on Human-Animal Interaction (ReCHAI)
A British Market Research Bureau study cites the rea- at the University of Missouri, Columbia College of Veterinary
sons why pet owners themselves feel that their pets are good Medicine. “How many people,” she queries, “would actually
for them: Their animals made them laugh, offer uncondi- get any exercise if it weren’t for overenthusiastic dogs?”
tional love, provide companionship, alleviate loneliness and Johnson even suggests that unconditional love and ac-
reduce stress—all benefits which point to the relationship’s ceptance from pets may help alleviate societal problems,
life-extending qualities, and are supported by the science. including widespread inactivity and obesity. In a study spon-
In a study by the University of Cambridge department sored by ReCHAI, called Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound and
of clinical veterinary medicine, for example, pet owners re- Stay Fit for Seniors, one group of older adults was matched
ported fewer minor health problems and increased physical with shelter dogs, while another partnered with a human
activity than the control group. The researchers expect that walk buddy. Participants were encouraged to walk an out-
these effects can be “relatively long-term.” door trail for one hour, five times a week, for 12 weeks.
A study by the Minnesota Stroke Institute found that, over According to Johnson, “The older people who walked
a 10-year period, owning a cat dramatically reduced an indi- their dogs improved their walking capabilities by 28 percent.
vidual’s chance of dying from heart disease. According to Dr. They had more confidence walking on the trail and increased
Alan Beck, director of the Center for the Human-Animal Bond their speed.” The other adults, who walked with humans, only
at the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, “The had a 4 percent increase in their walking capabilities. Anyone
health effects seem to be very real, and by no means mystical.” who enjoys the companionship of an animal already knows
Interaction with pets evidently reduces levels of the stress hor- the facts for which science seeks proof. The unconditional love
mone, cortisol, while increasing oxytocin, the “love hormone,” and devotion that flow from the heart of a pet is good for us.
that stimulates feelings of happiness. Beck observes that, “Con-
tact with companion animals triggers a relaxation response.” Linda Sechrist is a freelance writer based in Naples, FL;
Medical professionals generally agree that owning a pet connect at 239-348-8222, email lysechrist@aol.com.
natural awakenings January 2010 21
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