When it comes to living a long and healthy life, so much emphasis is put on one’s diet. Another factor which can contribute positively to an increased lifespan includes owning a dog. From improving mental health to helping with cardiovascular health, being a dog owner could help boost your longevity. How?
Owning a dog and taking it out for daily walks, acts as a social catalyst for a person.
It helps to promote social connections, conversations and can lead to the development of networks of support.
The connectivity of pets helps a person also feel safer and more loved in their own home.
Owning a dog and getting outdoors more often becomes common practice.
A wealth of research indicates that escaping to a neighbourhood park can lower a person’s stress levels, decrease blood pressure and reduce the risk of asthma, allergies, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, while boosting mental health and increasing life expectancy.
In another study published in the journal Scientific Reports, spending at least 120 minutes outdoors each week can have a major positive effect on life expectancy and overall health.
The study examined data from nearly 20,000 people in England from 2014 to 2016, which asked them to record their activities within the past week.
It found that people who spent two hours a week or more outdoors reported being in better health and having a greater sense of well-being than people who didn’t get out at all.
Published at Thu, 11 Feb 2021 21:12:47 +0000
How to live longer: A dog helps improve heart health & manages stress to boost longevity
