Can Having a Pet Help You Live Longer?

If you’re a pet owner, you know that the love and companionship that animals provide is priceless. But could it also help you live longer? Research has shown that pet ownership, particularly dog ownership, is associated with a decreased risk of heart disease and lower stress levels, both of which can lead to a longer life.

Factors such as walking a dog and the emotional support that pets provide can lead to better health and potentially a longer life.

This article takes a deep dive into a wide range of studies in psychology, cardiology, and public health. It covers empirical studies that have looked at the relationship between pet ownership and longevity, including the impact of pets on physical activity, mental health, and social relationships. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the many different ways that pet ownership may lead to a longer, healthier life.

The Impact of Pet Ownership on Mental Health and Longevity

In addition to the social support that pets provide, they are also known to have a positive impact on mental health. A systematic review in BMC Psychiatry found that pets play an important role in mental health management by providing stress relief and a special kind of companionship that can help alleviate loneliness.

A study in PLOS ONE found that the human-animal bond was strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also found that pet ownership was not a consistent predictor of stress and loneliness reduction.

Meanwhile, a study in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that the relationship between pet ownership and mental health is more complicated, noting that while there is qualitative evidence that pets are good for mental health, quantitative evidence does not consistently support a positive association between pet ownership and well-being.

It’s important to note these mixed results; while pets can offer comfort and social support, it’s not yet clear how much of a role these benefits play in increasing longevity.

That said, the evidence suggests that while pets may not be a panacea for mental health, they do make a difference in many people’s lives, potentially contributing to a longer, as well as happier, life.

Physical Health Benefits and Exercise

Taking the first step toward a healthier lifestyle may be as simple as taking your dog for a walk.

A number of studies, including a cross-sectional analysis from the NICOLA study, have shown that pet ownership is associated with higher levels of physical activity, especially in older people.

In fact, dog owners in particular have been shown to take more steps and engage in more physical activity, which has been associated with better cardiovascular health and a lower risk of obesity.

In addition to increasing physical activity, pet ownership may also help reduce risk factors for chronic diseases. The American Heart Association has even said that pet ownership, particularly dog ownership, is associated with lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, two factors that can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

It’s important to make sure that exercise needs are compatible; while pets can help motivate their owners to exercise, it’s important for pet owners to choose a pet that has exercise needs that they can meet.

Pet owners who exercise with their pets can help improve their own health and the health of their pets, which can lead to a more balanced and healthy home.

Social Catalysts: How Pets Help Build Social Connections and Improve Health

As social catalysts, pets are known to help their owners better integrate into social situations and form new relationships. The role of pets as social catalysts is well-documented, with research showing that pet owners have more active social lives.

For example, a study in PMC that took place during the COVID-19 lockdown in Malaysia showed that pet owners had better well-being, were better able to cope with stress, and had more positive emotions. This demonstrates how pets can help reduce social isolation and loneliness, both of which are well-established risk factors for early death.

In addition, the American Psychiatric Association reports that a large majority of pet owners say their pets have a positive effect on their mental health, providing them with companionship and soothing.

This companionship often extends outside the home as well, with pets motivating their owners to go outside, where they can interact and bond with others.

These pet-facilitated social bonds not only help improve mental health but can also lead to better physical health, which can contribute to longer life. This ripple effect of pets on social health highlights how they help us integrate our social and emotional well-being and, in turn, improve our lives in a variety of ways.

Making Ends Meet: The Financial Impact of Owning a Pet

The financial impact of owning a pet goes well beyond the initial happiness of bringing a new pet into your home.

A study by SmartAsset found that in 2015, Americans spent a whopping $60.59 billion on the pet industry, including money spent on food, healthcare, grooming, and boarding.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average household spends a little over $500 on pets each year, demonstrating the financial impact of pet ownership. SmartAsset even details the costs of the first year of pet ownership, showing that the costs of supplies and veterinary care make up a large portion of the total.

This financial burden can lead to stress, which could have an impact on the health of pet owners.

On the other hand, Kiplinger notes that the physical and mental health benefits that come with pet ownership could lead to healthcare savings for pet owners, which is a benefit that shouldn’t be discounted.

It’s important to note that while the companionship that pets provide can be invaluable, the costs that come with it are very real and should be considered when thinking about the impact of these financial factors on our lives. That said, pet owners who are able to handle these costs effectively may be able to reduce their stress and even increase their life expectancy.

Pets and Longevity: How Health Issues and Other Demographics Play a Role

The impact of pet ownership on health outcomes in various populations, including the elderly and people with chronic health conditions, is more complex. For example, one study cited by PubMed notes that pets can have a positive impact on the mental health of older people by providing companionship, purpose, and increased social interaction—all of which can help protect against mental health issues.

Meanwhile, CreakyJoints notes that pets can provide people with chronic health conditions with support and motivation that doesn’t come with judgment.

Pets can also help people with chronic health conditions in ways that human relationships can’t. This is supported by a study published in PMC that found that pets can provide therapeutic companionship and help people with chronic health conditions connect with others. Because pets can help people feel better emotionally and can be a constant source of support, they can have an indirect impact on the longevity of these groups.

In these populations, the potential for pets to increase lifespans is likely due to the fact that pets can help meet specific needs that can impact overall health. This suggests that the pet-owner relationship could be an important part of healthcare and personal health.

Concluding Thoughts on the Potential for Pets to Lengthen the Human Lifespan

This exploration of the special relationship between humans and their pets has uncovered a rich array of potential health benefits that could help lengthen the human lifespan. Mental health, physical health, and social well-being have emerged as the three pillars of the human-pet relationship.

Research from BMC Psychiatry and PLOS ONE has shown that pets can provide emotional support and help people manage stress. Meanwhile, studies from the Journal of Aging and Health and the American Heart Association have demonstrated the physical health benefits of pet-related exercise.

The nuances of these results, which include the financial factors mentioned in SmartAsset and the way different groups benefit from pet ownership described in PubMed, make it clear that the human-pet relationship is complex.

The takeaway is that while pet ownership can help people live longer, healthier lives, it is not guaranteed. People need to take their own situations and health needs into account when determining how much of a role pets can play in their lives.

As we enjoy the rewards and responsibilities of having pets, we should remember that the benefits, even those that help us live longer, are as unique as the animals we love.