By Dr Becker
For many of us, it gets harder to stay in shape as we
age. However, studies show that people who take their dogs on regular walks are more likely to be in better physical
shape than people who walk with other people (or not at all).
About half of all dog walkers get an average of 30
minutes of exercise, a minimum of 5 days a week.
Dog walkers also have a higher overall level of
moderate and vigorous physical activity than people without dogs,and spend more of their leisure time in energetic
pursuits like sports and gardening.
Dog Can Keep You Fit
There are countless benefits to sharing life with a
dog, especially for people in their 50s and 60s who are retired or planning for retirement.
A canine companion can help you stay physically fit
and give you a reason to get up every day.
A Dog Can Help You Stay Healthy
One of the problems of being a Baby Boomer is the
inevitable aches and pains of an aging body. The good news?
There is ample scientific evidence that dog ownership
can positively influence a number of medical conditions, including:
Lower blood pressure
Lower cholesterol levels
Improve cardiovascular health
Relieve the depression associated with serious
illnesses
Improve survival rates after a heart attack
Studies show that interacting with pets is actually
more beneficial than interacting with friends when it comes to your blood pressure. Human friends can be judgmental -
your four-legged canine companion accepts you exactly as you are.
A Dog Can Help You Make Friends
Dogs are natural icebreakers. They open the door for
conversations with other dog parents and friendly strangers, which can be tremendously helpful for retired Baby
Boomers or those who have recently relocated.
Dog ownership has a way of helping others see you in a
more human light. It shows you have an open heart, and presents new avenues for socialization for both you
and your canine companion.
A Dog Gets You Up and Going Every
Day
After retirement, it can sometimes be tempting to keep
the blinds drawn and hang around the house all day. If you give into temptation too often, though,
you wind up feeling sluggish, unproductive, and even isolated.
Your dog thrives on structure and consistency in her
daily life, and she's depending on you to be fed, walked, exercised, and loved. Studies show that dog guardians have a
higher degree of
self-discipline than people without pets.
A Dog Can Sense Your Moods
No matter your age, it's a real blessing to have
someone in your life who is sensitive to your moods and is there for you, no matter what.
Studies show that your dog's brain reacts to voices
and sounds like crying or laughter, in the same way our’s does.
