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The most effective strategy for prolonging life may be to stay on a leash.
Dan Buettner, longevity expert and founder of the Blue Zones organization in Minneapolis, Minnesota, highlighted a growing body of scientific evidence showing that owning a dog is strongly associated with a reduced risk of premature death, including from cardiovascular disease.
“The best thing you can do to add years to your life might surprise you. Get a dog!” Buettner advised as much during a recent episode of “The Dan Buettner Podcast.” “Research shows that dog owners live longer, suffer fewer heart attacks, and experience less loneliness. Why? Because a dog forces you to walk every day, gives you purpose, and provides you with unconditional love.”
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Dog ownership is associated with a 24% reduction in all-cause mortality for the general population compared to non-owners, according to a study published by the American Heart Association in its journal Circulation.
“The best thing you can do to add years to your life might surprise you. Get a dog!” » advised a longevity expert. (iStock)
For people who have already suffered a major cardiac event, such as a heart attack or stroke, living with a dog reduces the risk of death by up to 33%.
Epidemiologists and psychologists point to three reasons why canine companions may extend human lifespans.
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No. 1: Daily physical activity
Studies published in BMC Public Health indicate that dog owners walk an average of 22 minutes more per day than non-owners, making them much more likely to meet standard weekly physical activity guidelines.
Dog owners average 22 minutes more daily walking than non-owners, making them more likely to meet recommended exercise standards. (iStock)
No. 2: Stress reduction
Interacting with a pet reduces levels of cortisol – the body’s primary stress hormone – while increasing oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin. A 12-year Swedish study analyzing 3.4 million participants found that dog owners had lower blood pressure and reduced rates of cardiovascular disease.
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No. 3: Reduced isolation
The U.S. Surgeon General has declared chronic loneliness a national public health epidemic, comparing its health risks to those of smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Dogs act as natural “social catalysts,” experts say, promoting community interaction and providing emotional attachment that combats isolation, especially in single-person households.
Dogs act as social catalysts that alleviate chronic loneliness, addressing a health risk that the U.S. surgeon general equates to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. (iStock)
The connections between human longevity and pet care align with principles found in “Blue Zones” – regions of the world with the highest concentration of centenarians.
These key principles include natural daily movements, a strong sense of purpose, stress reduction and deep social connections, according to Buettner.
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By integrating a dog into a daily routine, owners can incorporate these habits without having to implement complex health regimens.
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“So if you want to live longer,” Buettner advised, “go get a dog!”
Gn Health
