10 health and life benefits of owning a dog when over 50

* Courtesy of Allan Fallow En español | If your nest is empty — by circumstance or by choice — think about getting a dog. Known for their devotion and happy dances, dogs can take a big bite

out of isolation. Just hanging out with a furry friend, studies show, has a revitalizing effect. Here, 10 benefits of later-life dog ownership. 1 of 13 * Getty Images DOGS KEEP YOU FIT Adopt

a dog and ditch that pricey personal trainer. A study in _The Journal of Physical Activity and Health_ found that dog owners walk approximately one hour longer per day than those without a

fetching friend in their lives. 2 of 13 * Getty Images THEY MAKE YOU HEALTHIER Studies show that dog-owning seniors have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol than their petless peers.

Having a dog also reduces the risk of heart attack — and boosts your chances of long-term survival if you have one.   3 of 13 * Getty Images DOGS ARE SOCIAL MEDIUMS A natural-born

icebreaker, your dog will introduce you to everyone from next-door neighbors to perfect strangers. It’s impossible to pass a dog without making a “pat stop,” so head for the park — Bowser

will take it from there.   4 of 13 * Getty Images THEY ORGANIZE YOUR DAY A dog may keep you sane, showered and solvent. Studies show that dog owners exhibit higher degrees of self-discipline

than those without. Makes sense: Dogs, like humans, thrive on structure; they need to be fed, walked and nurtured at regular intervals.   5 of 13 * Getty Images DOGS GET YOU MRI scanners

showed that the canine brain reacts to voices and sounds, such as crying or laughter, in the same way the human brain does. Dogs are also the only nonhuman animals who scan the left side of

a face — the process whereby people, too, “read” emotions.   6 of 13 * Getty Images THEY BOOST QUALITY OF LIFE For many older Americans, a dog means the difference between a life lived and a

life merely endured. Dogs help you stay safe and independent: They provide ears for the deaf, eyes for the blind and an early warning system at the approach of dangers (both real _and_

imagined, of course!).   7 of 13 * AARP OFFER: GET AND STAY CONNECTED Explore Home & Family for tips on family, relationships, technology and more   JOIN AARP TODAY FOR GREAT WAYS TO

SAVE AND STAY CONNECTED TO FAMILY 8 of 13 * Bill Bachman / Alamy THEY CAN BE AN OLD FRIEND No need for housebreaking and training when you adopt an older pooch. Studies show you _can_ teach

an old dog new tricks — or simply take it for long, calm walks. For tips on bringing a “senior dog” into your home, check out susiesseniordogs.com. 9 of 13 * ZUMA Press, Inc / Alamy THEY

HELP YOU VOLUNTEER When is a dog like a grandchild? When you can play with it during the day and then head home! Shelters and rescue organizations are desperate for volunteer help. And

you’ll get a boost from that tail-wagging mood elevator. 10 of 13 * Getty Images DOGS MAKE YOU A BETTER PERSON Consider this: Ozzy Osbourne, the bat-chomping rocker not known as an SPCA

poster child, once wrestled a coyote to the ground to pull his pet Pomeranian, Pipi, from its jaws. As the “bumper snicker” exhorts us, “Be the person your dog thinks you are.” 11 of 13 *

Getty Images THEY LET YOU BE A HERO The Humane Society estimates that 6 to 8 million dogs and cats wind up in animal shelters every year. The majority would make loyal and loving companions,

yet at least half of that number are euthanized annually. Visit a local shelter; maybe some buddy needs you. 12 of 13 * MORE HOME & FAMILY SLIDESHOWS * WHAT DOGS CAN TEACH US ABOUT

AGING * PLAYBOY BUNNIES THEN AND NOW * Find great volunteer opportunities in your community Member Discounts! Great deals and savings on events   13 of 13 DISCUSS: TALK WITH OTHER DOG OWNERS

WHO CAN PROVIDE TIPS AND ADVICE SAVE MONEY Get AARP member discounts on travel, shopping and more ALSO OF INTEREST * Photos: 11 things to never do again after 50 * THE SIMPLEST, CHEAPEST

WEIGHT-LOSS TRICK EVER * QUIZ: HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT SOCIAL ISOLATION? SEE THE AARP HOME PAGE FOR DEALS, SAVINGS TIPS, TRIVIA AND MORE JOIN AARP TODAY — RECEIVE ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE

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