When it comes to getting more exercise, Fido may be your best friend. Perhaps you know you need to exercise more, but you aren’t sure how to go about doing so. Instead of feeling overwhelmed at a gym, a dog may help you achieve recommended amounts of physical activity.
The best part? You probably won’t even realize you are exercising!
Research
A small study researched the effects dogs have on seniors and the results were rather encouraging. The research included 86 people who were 65 and older and the participants activity levels were monitored for three weeks. Half were dog owners and half were not.
Result
The participants who owned a dog walked 22 minutes more and took 2,760 more steps a day compared to seniors who didn’t have a dog. Dog owners also had fewer periods of continuous sitting. The findings were published in the journal, BMC Public Health.
The research provided several helpful insights: owning a pet may help achieve higher levels of physical activity, which could then improve quality of life, improved maintained cognition and perhaps overall longevity.
How much physical activity should you be getting?
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults need at least two hours and thirty minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week and muscle -strengthening activities on two or more days a week that work all major muscle groups.
As you age, regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. If you are able to, you should consider getting a dog or sharing the care of a dog, so you are more likely to become motivated and active. For all of your home medical equipment needs, contact BEK Medical toady. We are fully committed to working with you and for you!
