Why Having a Pet is so Good for you, No Matter your Age

Pets just make us happier and healthier

I have always had a pet for as long as I can remember back. It seems that having a dog or cat was just the normal thing to do for me.  I do know that some people don't have pets now and some people have never had a pet.  What a shame.  I find as I age, the benefits of pet ownership are so great that I can not imagine being without my fur babies.

I have researched this topic quite a bit and here is what I have found out:

• Pets help keep your brain healthy. (https://www.sciencealert.com/pets-help-to-protect-your-brain-as-you-get-older-study-suggests)
• Pets can serve as a source of comfort and support. (https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/power-pets)
• Pets help to lower your stress and anxiety which in turn may lower your blood pressure (https://www.onehealth.org/blog/10-mental-physical-health-benefits-of-having-pets)
• Pet ownership may act as a buffer against loneliness (see above url)
• Pets help your heart stay healthy (https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/20/health/benefits-of-having-a-pet-wellness/index.html
  
• Pets can help to reduce pain (https://www.onehealth.org/blog/10-mental-physical-health-benefits-of-having-pets)

There are many other benefits to owning pets that I found, but those are the top ones for me.  That said, I looked to see if owning a dog vs. owning a cat made much difference and I believe the answer is no.  The benefits of dog ownership include:

1. Dogs make us feel less alone.

2. Dogs are good for your heart.

3. Dogs help you stop stressing out.

4. Dogs help us cope with crisis

5. Dogs encourage you to move.

6. Dogs make you more attractive—even virtually.

7. Dogs make us more social.

8. Dogs are so adorable they make us love them

9. Dogs make us happier

10. Dogs help seniors with cognitive function and social interaction

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-science-based-benefits-dog/

The benefits of cat ownership include:

1. 
   Lower stress and anxiety.
2. Improve your cardiovascular health.
3. Prevent allergies.
4. Reduce feelings of loneliness 

(https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/joys-of-owning-a-cat.htm)

There was one amazing benefit of cat ownership that I was unaware of and the is:

THEIR PURRING HELPS TO HEAL BONES, TENDONS AND MUSCLES

A cat purring is one of the most comforting sounds in the world and while it certainly means your cat is happy and comfortable, the sound has also been long associated with a therapeutic healing ability on human bones and muscle.

A cats purr creates vibrations at a frequency of 20-140 HZ, and studies have shown that frequencies in the 18-35 HZ range have a positive effect on joint mobility after injury, scientists have begun talking about how the cat noise could help humans.

(https://www.goodnet.org/articles/7-scientifically-proven-health-benefits-being-cat-ownerPets)

Overall, I believe that there is enough scientific and anecdotal evidence to show that having a pet in your life is a huge benefit, even if you don't know it.

That said, go out and get yourself a pet now if you don't have one.  It is never too late to reap the benefits of owning a dog or cat; and there are so many out there that need homes and people to love and be loved by.  Go, Adopt!