Walking is an effortless yet advantageous daily activity to incorporate into your routine. Without the need for any sophisticated equipment, walking is low impact, easy on your joints, and entirely at your pace. Studies show that brisk walking can reduce abdominal fat, increase bone and muscle strength, and deter health issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. However, despite the extensive list of benefits, some people lack motivation or find walking alone tiresome and dull—this is where your canine companion comes in.
Staying Motivated with Your Furry Friend
Dogs can make walks more enjoyable and provide additional motivation to exercise, even when you may not feel like it. As a result, man’s best friend can improve health, specifically for those over 60 years old. Recent studies reveal that older adults who consistently walk their dogs have lower body mass indexes and require fewer visits to the doctor.
According to Rebecca Johnson, Director of the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction at the University of Missouri, the increase in physical health observed among older adults owning dogs prompts medical professionals to recommend pet ownership for older individuals. This information could potentially decrease healthcare expenses for the elderly population.
Walking Your Way to Improved Health
Researchers at the University of Missouri analyzed data from the National Institute on Aging and the Social Security Administration’s 2012 Health and Retirement Study on human-animal interactions, physical activity, the frequency of doctor visits, and health outcomes. They concluded that older adults with dogs exercise and socialize more, contributing to better health outcomes.
However, merely owning a dog does not guarantee optimal health—developing a strong bond with your dog is crucial. People who establish a closer relationship with their dogs walk with them more frequently and are more likely to interact with other dog owners, offering additional benefits for their health.
Bear in mind that walking your dog is the key factor in being a healthy dog owner. If you and your dog bond mainly through relaxing on the couch watching television, neither of you are doing your health any favors, unless walking is involved before settling down together.
Alternative Walking Companions
If you are not a dog person or you’re not ready to adopt one, you can still experience the benefits of walking. Find a friend to walk with, or visit parks and trails to engage with others for a health boost. Alternatively, consider volunteering to walk dogs at a local animal shelter, which allows you to have canine companionship without making a long-term commitment.
In summary, walking is a highly valuable activity with numerous health benefits that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine. Whether you need motivation or companionship in dog form or human form, don’t hesitate to find someone to walk with. Start improving your health today with consistent walking and stay on the path toward a healthier, more enjoyable lifestyle.
