Pet Ownership for Older Adults – Charlotte Today – October 14, 2019

October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month. The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) sponsors this event to promote the adoption of dogs from local shelters. Approximately 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year.

Owning a pet seems like a good idea especially for isolated seniors. Let’s go one better. Owning a dog may help you maintain a healthy heart, especially if that pet is a dog, according to a new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes.

“In general, people who owned any pet were more likely to report more physical activity, better diet and blood sugar at ideal level,” says Andrea Maugeri, Ph.D., a study researcher. “The greatest benefits from having a pet were for those who owned a dog, independent of their age, sex and education level.” So consider pet ownership!