Photo credit to irishtimes.com
If your older parent wants to get a dog, be supportive.
Seniors with dogs enjoy a much greater level of health than those without the furry friends.
Having a dog keeps us more active. People with dogs are more active on cold, wet and dark days than seniors without dogs on the sunniest days.
The seniors who were studied took their dogs for at least two walks a day. The dog owners spent 30 minutes less time sitting than non-dog seniors. Being sedentary contributes to heart disease, cognitive deficits and an overall decline in health.
Not everybody can have a dog, so consider volunteering with local charities, dog walking groups or animal shelters to get “your dog walk on”.
Other positive features of walking a dog include being outside, being with others, enjoying the companionship of a dog and reducing isolation and loneliness.
Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch.
At DrClaudia.net, click on the "Ask Me" button and send me a question.
Sign up for the Sunday newsletter. Don't miss a thing!
Seniors with dogs enjoy a much greater level of health than those without the furry friends.
Having a dog keeps us more active. People with dogs are more active on cold, wet and dark days than seniors without dogs on the sunniest days.
The seniors who were studied took their dogs for at least two walks a day. The dog owners spent 30 minutes less time sitting than non-dog seniors. Being sedentary contributes to heart disease, cognitive deficits and an overall decline in health.
Not everybody can have a dog, so consider volunteering with local charities, dog walking groups or animal shelters to get “your dog walk on”.
Other positive features of walking a dog include being outside, being with others, enjoying the companionship of a dog and reducing isolation and loneliness.
Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch.
At DrClaudia.net, click on the "Ask Me" button and send me a question.
Sign up for the Sunday newsletter. Don't miss a thing!
