Did You Know ... Pets Can Help Seniors Live Longer?

PetSmart - Banfield, The Pet Hospital®

Pets are fun to snuggle, pet, walk and play fetch with, but did you know that pets also have been proven to help us live healthier, even longer lives?  It’s true!  And pets especially help extend the life, health and happiness of seniors.  Activities such as walking, feeding, grooming and playing with a pet – improve the wellbeing of seniors.  Here are some dog-gone interesting facts about how pets add a smile and better heath to the lives of our grandparents.   

• Furry companions have been proven to ease loneliness and keep the blues away (depression is one of   the most common medical problems facing seniors today)
• Studies suggest that having a pet or even having contact with a pet can lower blood pressure
• Research indicates a link between having a pet and an increased survival rate for cardiac patients
• Health benefits of having a pet include decreased stress, reduced bone loss, lowered cholesterol levels and improved blood circulation
• Seniors with a pet are more likely to be active and less likely to become sedentary
• Regularly walking a pet helps keep seniors fit and supports weight management

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