How Dog Ownership May Extend Your Lifespan

Listening to Fox News articles is now possible, and a fascinating strategy for enhancing lifespan may involve a pet. Dan Buettner, a specialist in longevity and founder of Blue Zones in Minneapolis, Minnesota, emphasizes the connection between dog ownership and reduced risk of early death, particularly from cardiovascular issues.

Buettner states, “Getting a dog might be the best way to increase your life expectancy.” He mentioned this during an episode of “The Dan Buettner Podcast,” discussing research indicating that dog owners live longer, face fewer heart attacks, and experience less loneliness. “Dogs encourage daily walks, offer purpose, and give unconditional love,” he adds.

According to research from the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation, dog ownership is linked to a 24% decrease in all-cause mortality compared to those who don’t own dogs. For those who have had a significant heart event like a heart attack or stroke, having a dog may lower the risk of death by up to 33%.

“Getting a dog could be the surprising key to adding years to your life,” an expert on longevity said (iStock).

Studies conducted by epidemiologists and psychologists suggest three main reasons why dogs might contribute to longer lifespans:

• Daily Physical Activity: Research in BMC Public Health shows that dog owners walk 22 minutes more each day than those without dogs, helping them meet recommended physical activity levels.
• Stress Reduction: Interaction with pets can decrease cortisol, the stress hormone, while increasing oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin levels. A Swedish study over 12 years with 3.4 million participants indicated dog owners had lower blood pressure and fewer cardiovascular disease occurrences.
• Reduced Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General has highlighted chronic loneliness as a significant health issue, likening its dangers to smoking 15 cigarettes daily. Dogs act as “social catalysts,” promoting community interaction and providing emotional bonds that reduce isolation, which is especially beneficial for individuals living alone.

The connection between human longevity and pet care aligns with principles from “blue zones,” known for high centenarian populations, including natural daily movement, purposeful living, stress management, and strong social ties.

Buettner explains that incorporating a dog into daily life allows owners to adopt these beneficial habits without needing elaborate health plans. “So if you want to live longer,” Buettner suggests, “adopt a dog!”

Khloe Quill, a lifestyle writer for Fox News Digital, reports on diverse topics such as food and drink, travel, and health.