The secret to a longer life might just be at the end of a leash. Dan Buettner, a longevity expert and founder of Blue Zones in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has pointed out emerging scientific evidence that links dog ownership to a lowered risk of premature death, especially from cardiovascular ailments.
“The best thing you can do to add years to your life may surprise you. Get a dog!” Buettner shared on “The Dan Buettner Podcast.” He explains that having a dog can lead to longer life, fewer heart attacks, and a reduction in feelings of loneliness. Why is this? A dog encourages daily walks, gives a sense of purpose, and offers unconditional love.
Research from the American Heart Association published in its journal, Circulation, suggests that dog owners experience a 24% reduction in all-cause mortality compared to those without dogs.
Moreover, for those who’ve had serious heart issues like heart attacks or strokes, living with a dog seems to cut the risk of death by as much as 33%. Epidemiologists and psychologists attribute this enhanced longevity to three main factors related to having a canine companion.
No. 1: Daily physical activity
Research published in BMC Public Health indicates that dog owners engage in 22 more minutes of walking per day than their non-owner counterparts, putting them at a higher likelihood of meeting recommended physical activity standards.
No. 2: Stress reduction
Interacting with a dog can help lower cortisol levels—the body’s main stress hormone—while simultaneously boosting oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. A comprehensive 12-year study from Sweden, which included 3.4 million participants, found that dog owners had lower blood pressure and reduced cardiovascular disease rates.
No. 3: Reduced isolation
The U.S. Surgeon General has labeled chronic loneliness as a significant public health crisis, likening its health toll to smoking about 15 cigarettes each day. Dogs can serve as “social catalysts,” encouraging community interaction and offering emotional support that lessens loneliness, particularly for those living alone.
The connection between looking after a pet and longevity aligns with principles observed in “blue zones,” or regions where people often live to be 100 or more. These principles encompass natural daily movement, having a clear purpose, stress alleviation, and strong social ties.
Incorporating a dog into one’s routine makes it easier to adopt these beneficial habits without overcomplicating health routines. “So if you want to live longer,” Buettner suggests, “go adopt a dog!”
