A new study now finds that having a pet is really good for a person’s well being.
The new study of dog and cat owners over the age of 55 found that those who have an animal companion tend to be happier, more successful, and exercise more.
According to experts, the seemingly minor physical aspects of pet ownership, from taking walks to cleaning up after them, can go a long way – and, these bonds boost the ‘feel good’ chemicals in the brain.
The study was commissioned by UK retirement home builder McCarthy & Stone. It surveyed 1,000 British dog and cat owners and found a number of trends among those with pets.
Pet owners reported nearly twice as much exercise as those without, at five times per week versus three.
Pet owners were also more likely to be married, have a child, and be happy with their job.
Pet owners even earned an average of almost $5,200 more per year than non-pet owners, and volunteered for charities more frequently.
On the other hand, people without pets were more likely to have paid off their mortgage, with 69 per cent having done so compared to 60 per cent of pet owners.
They also retired sooner, at 46 per cent compared to 35.
The surveyed revealed that those with pets befitted greatly from talking to their pets, and 16 per cent even said that they wouldn’t ever speak to anyone if it wasn’t for their pet.
