Encouraging Exercise and Outdoor Activities
Pets may motivate you to exercise, which is crucial for seniors in particular. When you exercise your pet every day, you exercise yourself.
Pet ownership increases physical activity in older persons, according to research. Dog owners walked more and longer than non-dog owners, according to a 2017 Journal of Physical Activity and Health research. Dog owners were more active than non-dog owners in a 2014 Journal of Aging and Physical Activity research.
Pets motivate you to exercise. Here are some pet-friendly exercises:
- Go hiking. Walking improves cardiovascular health and is low-impact on joints. It helps you connect with your dog and discover new locations.
- Play fetch. Fetching with your dog boosts your heart rate and coordination. It’s great to connect with your pet.
- Pet Yoga. Several yoga studios offer pet-friendly courses. Doing yoga with your pet might make it more fun.
12 Responses
During the pandemic I walked my dog everyday and was able to say good morning to countless other dog owners, A bit of normalcy in a scary times. I was connected to the world everyday. I am 93 and am now the fortunate owner of my fifth Poodle. I am sure these wonderful companions are partially responsible for my longevity
Absolutely, pets can be life-changing! Have a great day Joan!
I am so happy to finally and hopefully find a small four-legged forever friend. Thanks to individuals as yourself that recognizes that these animals help us mentally, emotionally and physically.
Love these articles. Especially, now that I’m alone and a lot older.
I would have reached serious depression levels during the last Covid isolation,and another s coming.
I have my golden retriever as a walking buddy, cuddle bug, and someone to talk to. She’s a total joy and I love her so much. She gets me out walking when I ohrwise might skip a day because I want her to stay fit now that she’s aging (9 years old). I am 75 and we walk an hour + most days.
I’m close to 81 and know some of my age could be attributed to my little 16 year-old shi-poo. He gits me going each day…
Loved the article about pets we own three small dogs with personalities plus 😊! They bring us such joy….
I am certain that my cat and small dog keep me going. I have a daily routine of taking care of them. They take care of us too. They watch my 88 year old bedbound Mom. They sit at the top of the steps and the cat also loves to sit on top of the leather recliner and gaze at her. Mom has Dementia, so she does a lot of talking to those who are no longer alive. They play and round around and this keeps her alert and feisty. Oftentimes we place them on her, she refuses but I remind her of the pets we had during my childhood. I had a big dog but he had to be put to sleep. I miss him so, but my daughter brought this little one home and he is better for me to care for. I’m 60, and Mom and I are here together except for her caregiver during the week. They are mental health supporters and physical supporters. I don’t want my dog to get to heavy and I myself am health and weight conscious. Last night, we took a 10:30 stroll around the neighborhood and we both enjoyed that fresh air and windy night. Last week, the animals were at the school for the students. Yes, they are keepers and companions of better health.
I actually stumbled upon a rescue dog from a friend that had become ill, and it was shortly after I had experienced the lost of my son. My paw friend Papi is helping to heal the hole in my soul.
I’m a 35 year old woman and lately I been feeling stressed and anxiety. I’ve separated from my abusive husband and having my dogs by my side has helped so much! 💜idk what I’d do without them. My soon to be ex husband always made me feel alone and worthless. My dogs would come up to me even his dog and they would all lay on me lol and me petting them, talking and hugging them really felt great. Having 3 furry living furr babies around me made such a huge difference and still does. It sucks to see some rental properties not allow pets. I would never give my dogs up. They are a part of me and have been there for me.
I agree, a sweet Pet can be your best friend! A friend of mine lets me keep her Pomeranian female dog once in awhile, and I love little Missy so much! I’ve gotten attached to her! I kiddingly say if I Get Married again l’m marrying Missy, lol
I wasnt looking for a dog but one found me.My life is so much better