Researchers have even found that simply petting an animal lowers blood pressure by producing an instant relaxation response in the body.
Alan Beck, Sc.D., from the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine reported that animal owners had a higher one-year survival rate following a heart attack than a non-pet group, even when both groups were doing the same level of exercise.
Perhaps retirement communities should reconsider their no pet policies and hospitals and nursing homes could allow the family pet to come to visit the patient.
(As reported in AARP Magazine)