As a kid, I always wanted a dog! I guess what little kid doesn’t? After years of trying to convince my parents to get a dog, I finally succeeded! Looking back, begging them for a dog proved to be a big time commitment on my part, however at the same time, well worth it! Fast-forward to today and I can still remember how happy our dog made me! Just like when we were kids, dogs can help adults lead a more happier and healthier life! Dogs can be the perfect medicine to some of our adult health ailments! Read on to find out – how can dogs affect your aging health!
Dog’s Can Increase Physical Activity:
Just like when we were kids, adults need exercise too! As an aging adult, daily exercise can lower cholesterol, maintain a healthy blood pressure, reduce hypertension and ward off diseases such as diabetes. With our busy workloads, sometimes we may have difficulty finding the motivation to exercise. This is where a dog comes in! What better way to get mobile then a dog. Bigger dogs such as a labrador, collie or retriever require at least one hour of exercise a day. Adults will have no choice but to get outside and move around. By being active, adults can reap the health benefits of daily exercise and lead a longer, happier life thanks in part to a dog!
Dogs Can Lead to Better Mental Health:
Not only can a dog lead to better physical health but a dog can also improve our mental health. As we get older, we have to deal with daily stressors, mood swings and for some of us, mental illness. These adult issues can by trying and tough. Sometimes we need a little bit of relief. Taking time out of our day to play with a dog can provide us with this relief. Studies show that playing with a dog can lower stress, elevate moods and help combat mental illness. By improving our mental health, dogs allow us to lead a happier and healthier life especially as we age.
Dogs Can Get Us Social
Lastly, how can dogs affect your aging health? By getting us social! Studies show that interaction with friends and family can improve our overall health. As our social activities increase, we become happier and healthier individuals. Having a dog increases our chances of having social interactions. Whether it be at the dog park or on walk, we have more opportunities to meet and engage with people by having a dog. With a wag of a tail, dogs give us the ability to increase our social community and lead a happier more fulfilling life.
Whether you have a dalmatian or shit zu, dogs can help us age in a happier and healthier way!
For more information on how can dogs affect your aging health or healthy aging visit MD Home Health / Home Assist at www.mdhomehealth.com.