Studies show pets can increase joy, reduce stress

By Meghan Streit
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

A friendly dog with a wagging tail and big eyes has an amazing power to bring a smile to your face. Over the years, studies have shown that the presence of a pet in the home increases happiness and reduces stress.

Owning a pet not only provides loyal companionship, but studies by the Journal of the American Geriatric Society show that older adults who have pets experience measurable improvements to their health.

They keep you moving
The 1999 study showed that older pet owners were better able to manage stress, experienced higher levels of mobility, had lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and were even more likely to recover from a heart attack than their peers who did not own pets.

The links between good health and pet ownership are not completely clear, but the Geriatric Society studies suggest several reasons that pet owners might feel better than non pet owners. For starters, pet owners are likely to walk and play with their animals, which automatically increase their levels of physical activity—a key to good health for people of any age.

Jim and Annie Hake live at Monarch Landing with their four-year-old Cairn terrier, Fido. Jim Hake says walking and playing with their dog keeps the couple on the go.

“We have a good time walking outside. We have the sidewalks and grass, and then we have the dog park,” he says.

Pets make loyal companions
In addition to getting you up on your feet and outdoors several times a day, pets can provide comfort, a sense of security, and unconditional acceptance—all of which contribute to improved mood and outlook on life. And we all know that the happier and calmer we are, the healthier we tend to be.

“It’s very comforting to have a dog,” Jim Hake says.