One simple lifestyle choice could help you live longer, says longevity expert

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The most effective strategy for prolonging life might be at the end of a leash.

Dan Buettner, longevity expert and founder of the organization Blue Zones in Minneapolis, Minnesota, highlighted a growing body of scientific evidence showing that owning a dog is strongly associated with a reduced risk of early death, particularly fromcardiovascular disease.

“The best thing you can do to add years to your life may surprise you.Get a dog!” Buettner advised during a recent episode of “The Dan Buettner Podcast.” “Research shows that dog owners live longer, suffer fewer heart attacks and experience less loneliness.Why?Because a dog forces you to walk every day, gives you a purpose and provides unconditional love.”

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Dog ownershipis associated with a 24% reduction in all-cause mortality for the general population compared to non-owners, according to research published by the American Heart Association in its journal Circulation.

For individuals who have already suffered a major cardiac event, such as aheart attack or stroke, living with a dog reduced the risk of death by up to 33%.

“The best thing you can do to add years to your life may surprise you.Get a dog!” a longevity expert advised.(iStock)

Epidemiologists and psychologists point to three reasons why canine companions may extend human lifespans.

No.1: Daily physical activity

Studies published in BMC Public Health indicate that dog owners walk an average of 22 more minutes per day than non-owners, making them significantly more likely to meet standard weekly physical activity guidelines.

Jack Russell Terrier runs on leash with owner.

Dog owners average an extra 22 minutes of daily walking compared to non-owners, making them more likely to meet standard recommended exercise benchmarks.(iStock)

No.2: Stress reduction

Interacting with a pet lowerslevels of cortisol— the body’s primary stress hormone —while boosting oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin.A 12-year Swedish study analyzing 3.4 million participants found that dog owners had lower blood pressure and reduced rates of cardiovascular disease.

No.3: Reduced isolation

The U.S.Surgeon General has declaredchronic lonelinessa national public health epidemic, comparing its health risks to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Dogs act as natural “social catalysts,” fostering community interaction and providing emotional attachment that combats isolation, particularly in single-person households, experts say.

Dogs act as social catalysts that mitigate chronic loneliness, addressing a health hazard that the U.S.Surgeon General equates to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.(iStock)

The links betweenhuman longevityand caring for a pet aligns with principles found in the “blue zones” — regions of the world with the highest concentration of centenarians.

These key principles include natural daily movement, a strong sense of purpose, stress reduction and deep social connections, according to Buettner.

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By incorporating a dog into a daily routine, owners can incorporate these habits without having to engineer complex health regimens.

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“So if you want to live longer,” Buettner advised, “go adopt a dog!”

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