Research has confirmed what pet owners already knew: having a pet can bring significant benefits to your physical and mental health.
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After years of battling the Covid-19 pandemic, a new global epidemic has emerged: loneliness. According to a study by the American Psychiatric Association, one in ten Americans report feeling lonely every day.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, loneliness can lead to serious consequences for physical health, such as increased risk of heart disease, increased risk of stroke, and increased risk of dementia in older adults.
While you won’t find the words “dog” or “cat” on a medical prescription, research shows that having a pet at home can be an effective remedy for reducing the negative effects of loneliness.
A team of researchers from the University of Georgia and Brenau University, led by Dr. Sherry Sanderson, associate professor and veterinarian at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, recently explored the feasibility of this solution to keep older adults healthy as they age.
The study addressed the needs of two vulnerable populations by pairing shelter cats with adults aged 60 and older who lived alone and did not have pets, in order to learn more about the impact of the human-animal bond.
“Older adults are a population at higher risk of loneliness and social isolation. Loss of family and friends, health decline, lack of transportation, and financial stress increase the chances of becoming lonely, as well as the adverse health effects associated with it,” explained Sanderson to UGA Today.
“The human-animal bond is a way to simultaneously help older adults and homeless cats, so it’s a win-win situation for both parties.”
A joint study between the Human Animal Bond Research Institute and the Mental Health Foundation showed that responses can start at the chemical level. The research revealed that levels of oxytocin increase in both pets and humans when they interact with each other.
Known as one of the “happiness hormones,” along with dopamine and serotonin, oxytocin can increase happiness and life satisfaction while reducing stress and depression.
“Pets can bring a lot of joy. Of course, it involves a lot of time and effort to care for a pet, but the benefits outweigh any amount of work associated with it,” said Sanderson.
In addition to improving mental health, pets also play an important role in their owners’ physical health. This is because many pets require regular exercise and play, which means their owners need to engage in consistent physical activities.
Even low-maintenance pets, such as cats and birds, need daily physical stimulation. According to a study from the Mayo Clinic Health System, the additional exercise resulting from having a pet can help improve blood pressure, reduce obesity, strengthen joints, lower blood sugar, and increase aerobic capacity.
“Just the routine of taking care of a pet can motivate you to get up and do what’s needed. When people are alone or depressed, it can be hard to convince themselves to do anything. But if they know a pet depends on them, that can make a big difference,” added Sanderson.
This content was created with the help of AI.
