Best Boomer Towns Blog

5 Health Benefits of Owning a Pet

1. Immunity
In the United States alone, more than 7.3 million dogs and 7.2 million cats live in our homes. Animal lovers alike consider pets to be part of the family. Owning a pet can boost your immunity, increase your heart health, help you become more physically active, provide great companionship, and even make new friends!

2. Heart Health
Owning a pet can boost your immunity. Studies have shown that owning a pet can actually lessen anxiety and lower blood pressure. Male pet owners show less signs of heart disease and increased longevity after heart attacks.

3. Physical Activity
Along with the responsibility of taking care of a pet, you also know it needs exercise. Walking or running with your dog increases a pet owners physical activity level. Playing catch with your dog or spending time with an energetic kitten is bound to help you burn a few extra calories!

4. Companionship
Some people believe that the companionship your pet offers you can be more beneficial than the support of another human. No matter how long and stressful your day, your pet always has love for you. Empty-nesters find that a pet will help to fill the void after children are out of the home. Pets help to reduce the feeling of loneliness and depression.

5. Social Contacts
When walking your dog you are bound to meet new people, who can resist a cute animal? It’s a good excuse to talk to someone on the street or at the dog park that you might never have had the chance to meet. A pet is a great topic of conversation and will help a person develop more social interactions.

Whether you are a child who wants an extra playmate or a retiree with your children out of the home, a pet can truly become your best friend. They provide a multitude of benefits that will increase your health and happiness for a lifetime to come.

Related Blog Posts

Virginia Beach is for Pet Lovers!

Baby Boomers For Your Parents - Senior Safe Premium Stair Lift

10 Trends Powering the Age Boom

Ten Tips for Dog Park Etiquette:

March 9, 2010 Show Features Marci Shimoff, a celebrated transformational Leader

Key Life Benefits and Boomer Authority(TM) to Provide Supplemental Health and Lifestyle Benefits Dir

Silver Planet Launches Official Adult Day Services Directory Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Looking for Inspiration? A New Book, “The Holy Spirit Said See the Light” by David E. Hagberg

Baby Boomer Olivia-Newton John on Pet Shop Talk VoiceAmerica

The Locals guide to the 2009-2010 Ski & Snowboarding season in Colorado