At CareDogs, we’re no strangers to the negative impacts of loneliness on mental health for people of all ages and backgrounds. The great news, though, is that research shows that pets can make all the difference when it comes to boosting our health and happiness.
In the UK, our national health service recognises that “feeling alone and vulnerable can lead to depression and a serious decline in physical health and wellbeing.” The charity, Age UK, reported that 13% of people aged 55+ only speak to someone three or four days a week, and research by the Mental Health Foundation estimating that “around a quarter of young people say they ‘often’ feel they lack companionship”, finding ways to address loneliness is a vital piece of the puzzle when it comes to boosting our mental health. With studies by the Mental Health Taskforce for the NHS estimating that approximately one in four people in the UK will suffer a mental health problem at some point each year – and those same studies indicating that mental health problems represent the largest single cause of disability in the UK – the need for tackling loneliness as a tool for stronger mental health is more important than ever.
CareDogs is passionate about the variety of ways we can all work to combat loneliness and build healthier, happier minds. It will come as no surprise to our readers that we also happen to have a particular soft spot for a certain group of four-legged companions who, we believe, are pawfully important when it comes to boosting our mental health. The concept of ‘pups for positivity’ is an evidence-based and emotionally impactful approach to tackling loneliness amongst people of all ages. Whilst the decision to welcome a new dog into your life is not to be taken lightly, there are reams of research showing us the many ways in which spending quality time with our furry friends can benefit our mental health – and, in turn, our physical health, too. Below are just a few examples of the plentiful puptastic ways animals can boost our mental and physical wellbeing:
1. Pets can be perfect companions
Whilst meaningful human interaction and strong relationships must always be our top priority when it comes to a sense of belonging and wellbeing, the benefits of companionship provided by dogs shouldn’t be underestimated. A study by Stanley et al. (2013) found that of a group of primary care patients over the age of 60, those living with pets were 36% less likely than non-pet owners to report loneliness. To top that, 82.5% of the participants who took part in the study indicated that their pet has had a strong positive impact on their life. Based on these stats, the study concluded that pet ownership could “help spread feelings of social connectedness and significantly decrease feelings of isolation in older patients” – a pretty compelling case in support of the ‘dogs against depression’ debate.
2. Pets can help reduce anxiety and depression
When it comes to tackling depression, the research indicates that the positive impact of dogs is no waggish idea. Besides the obvious benefits of day-to-day companionship provided by dogs, studies have shown that stroking a pet can simultaneously reduce the number of stress hormones released in our bodies and trigger a chemical reaction in our brains that releases those all-important natural mood boosters, such as serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin. Whilst pets have been scientifically proven to induce some of our favourite ‘happy hormones’ amongst people of all ages, a study shared by the British animal charity Blue Cross also indicates that ‘pet therapy’ has shown to alleviate depression and anxiety in elderly care home residents. Similarly, the Mental Health Foundation has highlighted the enhanced sense of safety, security and reassurance that can come from owning a pet – all vital tools when it comes to tackling depression and anxiety. Whilst we’d by no means try to promote pups as the ultimate panacea for overcoming depression or anxiety, the research clearly demonstrates that when it comes to mental health, our four-legged friends can do a great deal to help.
3. Pets can help with our physical health
Reducing anxiety and depression has direct positive implications for our physical health and the science proves it. As highlighted by globalhealthaging.org, a 12-year study revealed that people between the ages of 40 and 80 with dogs showed a reduced risk of a heart attack by 11% – an impressive statistic which the organisation attributes to dogs’ capacity to reduce human stress, loneliness and depression.Furthermore, experts have reported the use of dog therapy in nursing homes in the United States, specifically with the aim of helping residents to lower their need for medication. And, to address a more obvious point when it comes to dogs and physical health….well, dogs need walks! Come rain or shine, our furry friends need to get outdoors and stretch those legs – surely the perfect incentive for loving dog owners to get their daily dose of fresh air and exercise! Finally, to bring the mental and physical health argument full circle: by exercising more, we can reduce conditions such as depression, and lower our risk of developing diseases such as Alzheimer’s. So whether your goal is to get physically fitter or boost your brain health, the two go hand in hand when you have a dog for company!
4. Pets can improve our social connections
As the old adage goes, a dog is a man’s best friend – but let us not forget that dogs can help us to make other great friends, too! Whether it’s through walks in your favourite park, or joining a local dog training class, getting out and about with your dog can be a fantastic way to bump into or meet up with other like-minded acquaintances and friends, and also to discover new areas, activities and topics of conversation. Striking up a conversation with a fellow dog owner, or taking part in a regular doggie-centred get-together, offers the chance to forge meaningful, lasting friendships. Meeting and connecting with other dog owners can strengthen our social circles and allow us to build a sense of community and belonging – vital elements for our happiness and wellbeing, whatever our age.
5. Pets can help improve our mindfulness
Whether it’s through being aware of and responding to your dog’s day-to-day needs – or by simply taking a leaf out of their book and choosing to leave the worries aside for a while and live in there here and now – there’s no denying that our four-legged friends can teach us a thing or two about being mindful and present. The caring responsibilities that come with dog ownership can bring us a sense of purpose and well-deserved pride, and can also offer a welcomed distraction from some of the niggling worries or stresses of everyday life. As summed up neatly by the Mental Health Foundation: “Whilst non-pet owners tend to dwell on the past, pet owners focus on current interests and activities, making them more conversational.” And besides helping us to boost our conversation skills, our canine companions are great at bringing out the inner child in us all. Whether it’s through throwing a ball or getting down on the floor for a heart-warming snuggle with your playful pup, dogs remind us that some of the most fun activities in life are free.
6. Pets can give us a sense of purpose
Whilst at CareDogs we’re always mindful of the need to highlight the considerable responsibility associated with adopting or buying a dog, we’re also just as eager to recognise that with great responsibility, comes great joy. Owning and caring for a dog entails real commitment and hard work, but the time and effort we invest in our pups can be worth their weight in gold when it comes to our wellbeing. Prompting us to instil a daily routine can have a hugely positive impact on our mindset – particularly in later life, when the structure of a work schedule may no longer be in place. Setting and achieving the tasks or goals within that routine can give us a real sense of accomplishment. Humans are notoriously keen on keeping ourselves busy and ‘achieving’ things (who doesn’t love ticking off items from that to-do list?) Dogs can help us to strike that balance between getting things done vs. taking the time to be present and enjoy the simple (and important!) things in life. It’s a balance that does wonders for our mental health.
If you are, or somebody you know is, experiencing feelings of loneliness, depression or anxiety, and if you think the idea of welcoming a canine companion into your life might be for you – either through dog adoption [LINK], or by offering your time and skills as a dog-walking volunteer – we’d love to hear from you. To get in touch, please head over to our Contact Us page.