Ten years ago, my son begged me to get a dog. He knew how much I loved the German Shepard my parents got as my trained guard dog and certainly used the weak spot in my heart towards his goal. That is how Mack, a rescue dog, came into our lives. The only detail is that he is quite the opposite of Bruja : he is unruly, stubborn, impossible to train but also attached to my hip from day one, protective and funny. People always say how nice you are for rescuing a dog but, to be honest, I got so much more in return. Adopting a four-legged friend isn’t just good for the soul. It could add years to your life and boost overall health in surprising ways!

1. A Stronger Heart
According to the American Heart Association, dog owners have a 20% lower risk of cardiovascular disease. You will get regular walks and playtime with your pup that improve heart health, lower blood pressure and even cut the risk of heart attack – all thanks to keeping moving.

2. Built-In Workout Buddy
With a dog around, being a couch potato is hardly an option. Studies show that dog owners average 2,700 more steps daily than non-owners. Plus, all that bending and squatting to pick up toys and, well, other stuff, keeps your body strong and agile. As proven in the Blue Zones, the best type of exercise is that which is incorporated into our daily lives.

3. Stress Down, Happiness Up
Petting a dog isn’t just soothing; it actually triggers your parasympathetic nervous system, which calms you down and reduces stress hormones. Dogs bring companionship and comfort, helping  to keep anxiety at bay and making us feel less alone.

4. Boosted Brain Health
Research shows that older adults who own dogs enjoy better cognitive health and mental sharpness. Surprisingly, this applies to both people who walk their dogs and those who don’t, suggesting that just having a dog around can be enough to keep the mind sharper.

5. Social Life Enhancer
Dogs are social magnets (well, most of them even though I have to admit Mack is not one of them). Whether you’re out for a walk or just hanging at a dog park, having a pup can help spark conversations with others, enhancing your social connections and lowering feelings of isolation.

So, if you’re looking to add more health, happiness and even years to your life, a dog might just be the perfect choice. Not only will you be gaining a loyal friend, but also investing in your well-being. 

But sometimes we can not have a dog of our own. The house we live in doesn’t allow them, we are out all day or we travel too much. Whatever the reason, you can opt for a different approach:  volunteer at a shelter. You can get all the benefits by walking and helping with the dogs while adding the plus of giving back to the community.🐾

For more lifestyle tips that boost longevity, check out the other articles in the blog!