Your best friend may be helping you live longer. Scientific research confirms that pet owners generally live longer, healthier lives than those without pets.
The research shows that the human-animal bond can positively influence the emotional, psychological and physical health and wellbeing of people in ways such as increasing physical activity, lowering blood pressure and improving social connectedness. Many such benefits contribute to a longer, healthier life.
Having a companion animal is linked to a 24 percent-lower risk of dying from all causes. Dogs encourage daily outdoor exercise and lower stress, while cats specifically help reduce cardiovascular disease risk, especially for middle-aged and older adults.
The link between pets and human longevity comes down to both physical and mental well-being:
- Cardiovascular Health: The American Heart Association notes that interacting with pets reduces blood pressure, lowers cholesterol and decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Pets can reduce heart rate and blood pressure since they trigger the release of hormones such as dopamine and oxytocin, which play a key role in relaxation and bonding..
Research suggests owning an animal can prevent cardiovascular events such as heart attacks from occurring, and helps facilitate healing following such an event.
A study of over 2,400 cat owners found that cat owners were significantly less at-risk of dying due to stroke and heart attack compared to non-owners during a 20-year follow-up. - Increased Activity: Dog owners are significantly more likely to meet daily physical activity guidelines simply by going on routine walks. On average, dog owners walk one hour more per week compared to non-owners, according to a study that
analyzed data from nearly 6,000 adults.
Research also suggests that obesity is less common in dog owners: According to a recent study, individuals who do not own a dog had nearly twofold greater odds of being overweight, while those who did not walk their dog had 60 percent higher odds of being overweight compared to dog-walkers. - Mental Health and Social Interaction: Companionship from animals fights social isolation and loneliness, boosting the release of “happy hormones” like oxytocin and dopamine.
Several studies demonstrate that pet ownership is linked to increased socialization.. For example, a study of almost 400 residents of Australian suburbs found pet ownership to be associated with increased social contact and interaction and increased perceptions in neighborhood friendliness compared to people who did not own pets, suggesting that pet ownership can serve as a conduit for getting to know people. Pets can be easy icebreakers for initiating new conversations. The same study found that more than 40 percent of pet owners agreed that their pet had helped them get to know their neighbors, and more than 80 percent of dog walkers said they talk to other pet owners while walking their dog. - Age-Specific Benefits: A study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that having both a dog and a cat is highly advantageous for adults over 65, whereas having just a cat offers strong heart benefits for adults aged 40–64.
Some of the research above was either featured in or sponsored by HABRI, the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, which has a lot to say about how companion animals enhance our lives (and vice versa).
