Dear LPG

I have a dog and I spent a little time on-line recently finding out why she will keep me feeling younger for longer. 

Pets not only provide companionship, but also can help us feel younger. If you have a dog, you know what I’m talking about. Taking him or her for a walk improves your blood flow, heart health and brain function, as walking is a form of exercise, but they are an excellent excuse to socialise with other dog-owners too.  Dog owners get more exercise than non-dog owners. Who can ignore his or her dog who is sitting impatiently by the door looking forward for a stroll even on a rainy day?

Several studies have shown that there is a link between taking care of a pet and staying healthy. Spending time with them increases our levels of oxytocin and decreases levels of cortisol, which is the main stress hormone. Actually, having a pet, no matter how old you are, helps reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.  And if being with animals makes you feel happier, that is because it releases endorphins, the neurotransmitters that make you feel good.

All those physical benefits are amazing, but the psychological ones are even more significant in the case of older adults. As we get older, loneliness becomes one of our main struggles. Pets are always there to offer companionship, and they surely make us feel that we are not alone. But there is more. When you lose your sense of purpose (and unfortunately it often happens to the older people), pets can give it back to you as they are a reason to get up every morning, and this one is without a doubt one of the main reasons why having a pet can help you feel younger.

MM, Bell Green

As ever LPG found a few other online points of view…

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