However, night workers may experience opposite rhythmic fluctuations. Determining what is best for shift workers is still under investigation. A necdotal evidence abounds about the ability of pets to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and provide other health benefits. The kinds of things we have found are that pet owners have lower blood pressures and deal with stress more effectively. They are more satisfied with their health, appearance, social interactions and leisure time.
Seniors go to doctors less.
There is increasingly solid scientific evidence to support these allegations. The normal rise in blood pressure that occurs as soon as we start to talk to someone is blunted when a pet is present. Gently and lovingly stroking a dog lowers blood pressure in the petter as well as the pet. During discussions of marital conflicts, blood pressures in pet-owning couples started out lower, rose less in response to this type of stress, and returned to baseline readings more rapidly compared to the control group. About half of all women over 50 will have a fracture due to osteoporosis during their lifetime.