The friend who keeps you young.

The friend who keeps you young.
Adopting a pet may seem like a selfless act, but there are many selfish reasons to adopt pet ownership. Research has shown that owning a pet offers an incredible array of health benefits, says Jeremy Barron, MD, medical director of the Beacham Center for Geriatric Medicine at Johns Hopkins.
Not ready for a full-time furry friend in your home? Offer to walk a neighbor's dog, groom the cat for a friend, or donate time at a local animal shelter-even short interactions provide enough exposure for the pet to reap some of these rewards.
Research has shown that simply petting a dog reduces the stress hormone cortisol, while social interaction between people and their dogs actually increases levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin (the same hormone that bonds mothers to babies).
In fact, an astonishing 84% of post-traumatic stress disorder patients paired with a service dog reported a significant reduction in symptoms and 40% were able to decrease their medications, a recent survey reported.
The cortisol-reducing and oxytocin-boosting benefits of cuddling also help keep your blood pressure in check. "Cuddling and holding an animal allows you to appreciate the beauty of nature," Barron explains. "It's relaxing and transcendental."
How many people are willing to go out at the crack of dawn and exercise in the rain or snow? Dog owners usually have no choice - they need to walk their pet, providing them with an excuse-proof daily dose of exercise.
The American Heart Association released a research report endorsing dog ownership as a way to prevent cardiovascular disease.
A 2011 study found that pet owners had better self-esteem. Another study determined that pets provided greater social support than humans in reducing depression. "Caring for a pet provides a sense of purpose to the owner," says Barron. In addition, pets are a good social catalyst for meeting people who share your interests with animals.
Beyond simple companionship, dogs have been wonderful helpers for those without vision or with mobility problems. Dogs are even being used to help detect conditions from seizures to cancer.
Cardiovascular disease (car-dee-oh-vas-cue-ler): Problems of the heart or blood vessels, often caused by atherosclerosis-the buildup of fatty deposits on artery walls-and high blood pressure, which can weaken blood vessels, stimulate atherosclerosis and make arteries stiff. Heart valve disorders, heart failure, and out-of-rhythm heart rhythms (called arrhythmias) are also types of cardiovascular disease.
Cortisol (kor-tuh-sol): A hormone produced by the adrenal glands on top of the kidneys and involved in the stress response. It rises in the morning, inducing wakefulness, and also rises during stress. Sleep deprivation, caffeine, and alcohol can also increase cortisol levels. Chronically high levels have been associated with low immunity, weight gain, and other health problems.
Oxytocin (ok-si-toh-suhn): In men, a hormone released by the pituitary gland that aids in penile erection and ejaculation. In women, it stimulates milk production and the contraction of the uterus. It influences social bonding, which is why it is also sometimes called the bonding or love hormone. As a medicine, oxytocin is sometimes given to pregnant women to induce or accelerate labor.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A disorder in which your "fight or flight" response, or stress, stays on, even when you have nothing to run or fight for. The disorder usually develops after an emotional or physical trauma, such as an assault, physical abuse, or a natural disaster. Symptoms include nightmares, insomnia, angry outbursts, emotional numbness, and physical and emotional tension.
Social support: The help you receive from other people in your life. Family, friends, colleagues, and other people who care about you and for you make up your social support system or network.
Although dogs offer more benefits than any other pet, they also require more time and financial commitment.