How Pets Can Help You Live Longer

Does having pets affect our longevity?

If you own a pet, then you know how much they enrich your life.  But did you know that having pets doesn't just make your life better; they make your life longer as well!  Here's how pets can actually improve our longevity.

• Pets and Heart Health

Studies show that pets seem to have an especially strong impact on their owners' heart health.  One study showed that dog owners were much more likely to be alive one year after a heart attack than non-dog owners.  Another study showed that cat owners had a decreased risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular disease as compared to people who did not own cats.  Finally, there is also a study that showed that having a pet dog in the room lowered heart rates under stress more than blood pressure medication.

• Other Health Benefits

Pets also seem to have a positive impact on their owners' mental health.  For instance, studies have shown that pets can help to improve depression, self-esteem, stress, and loneliness.  The mental health impact of pets is especially important for elderly people, and many nursing homes and assisted living facilities are now introducing pet therapy programs for their residents.  Recently, studies have shown that animal-assisted therapy in nursing homes can help to reduce symptoms of depression, agitation, and aggression in patients with dementia.

• Please Keep in Mind

While several studies have suggested a correlation between owning a pet and living a longer life, it's important to note that these studies are limited and therefore cannot definitively prove that pet ownership leads to improvements in your health.  These studies can only suggest that this is the case.  While inconclusive, the findings of these studies are compelling and exciting to consider. These are just a few of the ways in which owning pets can help to improve and elongate our lives.  Want another way to take care of yourself?  Then make sure you have the right health and life insurance coverage to rely on.  For assistance with all your personal coverage needs, contact the experts at Club Agency Insurance Brokerage in Garden City, New York today.