Photo from Wikimedia Commons
Our pets are great blessings, loves of our lives, members of our families. From our first meeting with a puppy or kitten (or bird, bunny, or other little creature) to planning a thoughtful funeral and choosing a fitting memorial, pets are far more than possessions, more than accessories. Still, there are quantifiable reasons for owning a pet, measurable ways they add value to our lives. Beyond the obvious gifts of joy and love, experts have found that there are clear health advantages to owning a pet at every stage of our lives.
From the CDC and NIH
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend pet ownership because pets have been clinically proven to:
-
Reduce feelings of loneliness
-
Lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels
-
Encourage people to exercise and enjoy outdoor activities
-
Provide opportunities for their owners to socialize more with other people
The National Institutes of Health have also published their findings on the possible advantages of pet ownership for cardiovascular health, child development, elder care, stress reduction, and physical therapy.
For the elderly
Pet ownership for the elderly is a complex issue. As one ages, it becomes more difficult to care for a pet. Still, there are many proven reasons why pets are worth the effort, especially as we age. In addition to the benefits the CDC has found for everyone, pet ownership helps the elderly by:
-
Lowering levels of depression
-
Improving immune function
-
Providing mental stimulation, which increases brain activity, helping to prevent or reduce the effects of dementia and other mental disorders
-
Proving that the pet owner can still be depended upon, helping them feel more powerful and hopeful
For children
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry makes an important point about pet ownership for children: An unhealthy relationship with a carelessly treated pet is damaging to the child, as well as the animal, but if you choose a pet carefully, and guide your child to care for it kindly and responsibly, the child will enjoy these benefits:
-
Physical activity
-
Love, loyalty, comforting contact, and affection
-
Lessons in responsibility
-
Respect for living things and a connection to nature
-
A safe friend to tell secrets to
-
An understanding of the cycles of life: reproduction, birth, illnesses and injuries, love, death, and grief
Yes, even grieving the death of a beloved pet is a valuable lesson for a child—and for all of us. Pets teach us the joy of living, and in mourning their loss, we learn still more about the nature of love.
Subscribe to Our Community