Can dogs and cats help women live longer, healthier lives?

When thinking about all the things that I’m thankful for, of course, my family and our health are at the top of the list. But my family, like many of yours, doesn’t end with genes — it extends to my best friends, the family I created, and the furry family members who bring me so much joy. 

I’ve adopted and fostered many pets over the years and have helped so many others find their perfect companions that I directly see the positive impact these creatures bring into our lives. In fact, adopting pets can offer significant physical, mental, and emotional health benefits for women 35 and older. Here are 10 of the countless ways our four-legged family members can enhance our well-being:

1. Increased physical activity

Here’s the obvious one, GALs. Dogs require regular walks — and several times a day. This can help us to get our butts out of our chairs to maintain a healthy weight, improve cardiovascular health, and increase overall physical fitness. Plus, simply playing fetch and other games can help to close those daily activity rings — cat games included.

2. Improved heart health

Your heart gets stronger in more ways than one. Studies suggest that pet owners have lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, reducing the risk of heart disease — which we know to be the number-one cause of death for women our age. Furthermore, the American Heart Association has linked pet ownership, especially dogs, with reduced mortality from cardiovascular events.

3. Enhanced immune function

Did you know that exposure to pets may actually reduce allergies and strengthen our immune systems? Pets bring germs into the house that keep us healthier, while dogs carry endotoxins in their fur, which can protect from allergies. This is especially true for children who are exposed in early life and for us animal lovers who interact with pets regularly.

4. Reduced stress and anxiety

Have you ever felt instantly calmed by snuggling Buddy or Mittens? This is because interacting with our dogs and cats releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and relaxation, while lowering cortisol, the stress hormone. 

No pets of your own (yet)? No worries. Simply petting other people’s animals can have a calming effect and help manage daily stress. (Another great reason to volunteer at our local animal shelter.)

5. Emotional connection

GALs our age are constantly navigating life transitions and curveballs (like career changes, kids’ milestones, perimenopause, and parental caregiving, to name a few), and the unconditional love and companionship of a pet can provide stability and emotional grounding. 

Having a little friend around is also a very helpful and effective way to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness — since the emotional connection between a human and their pet is likened to that of a family member.

6. Improved mood and reduced depression

Caring for a pet can create routine and structure, proven to alleviate depressive symptoms, and provide us with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. And as every pet parent knows, cats and dogs encourage laughter and joy through their playful behaviors, boosting overall happiness — and perhaps goofiness (Mr. Snuggle-Muffin-Smooshy-Kiss-Face knows what this means).

7. Enhanced mental stimulation

Have you ever taught a dog to sit or a cat to high-five? Training, caring for, or playing with a pet engages the mind, promoting focus and problem-solving skills. Plus, current research suggests that long-term pet ownership could protect us against cognitive dysfunction and contribute to healthier brains as we age.

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