Adults and Domestics Animals

As we age, a pet can begin to take on a different role in our lives. As a child, a pet teaches us life lessons and is often our first encounter with loving and caring for another being. In adulthood, our animals are companions we provide for. Having a pet in your adult life brings out the youth of your inner child and that primal love for another living thing.

While adults often choose to take on the responsibility of a pet for companionship, there are also a multitude of other health benefits that come along with pet ownership. During childhood, domestic animals aide in development, but in adulthood, pets help with things like stress and blood pressure, that are usually issues more relevant later in life.

Physical

Decreasing stress levels is one of the most beneficial results of having a pet. Many studies have shown that levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, are significantly lower in pet owners than non-pet owners. Some studies have even proven that pets can be a more effective stress reliever than a spouse or friend. This decreased level of stress is very beneficial to physical health, as excessive stress can have detrimental effects on the nervous, immune, digestive, and reproductive systems, and more.

Mental

Lower stress levels could also been seen as a mental benefit of having pets. While physical effects of stress can be harmful to our health, stress also has several consequences for mental health. Chronic stress levels are linked to depression. Domestic animals are a great way to shift your focus from the current sources of stress in your life and instead give love to the animals in your life.

Emotional

Along with distracting adults from the mental stresses of life, pets are a great way to give emotional support. For victims of post traumatic stress disorder, pets can be used as therapy animals to provide emotional companionship and support. Pets are very effective at boosting adults' moods. When we have a tough day and come home to our pets, they can immediately bring a smile to our faces.

Another way that domestic animals benefit adults is by making them more social. This has been proven especially with dog owners. A person walking a dog is far more likely to interact socially than someone walking alone. Having an animal makes them seem more approachable and friendly, and therefore increases social interaction. This is very beneficial emotionally, as social interaction can combat issues such as loneliness and depression.

Even though domestic animals lose their role as playmates and mentors as we age, pets are still supportive and have a positive impact on our lives. In adulthood, having another friend in the form of an animal can have a wide array of physical, mental, and emotional benefits that often go overlooked.