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Older people often lack social networks and recreational opportunities, and having a cat on their laps can be an immense boost to their health and happiness. Studies show that pets not only foster feelings of love and security but can also help lower a person's blood pressure, heart rate, and stress level. For seniors, these little benefits add up to an impressive advantage. A Canadian study of nearly 1,000 adults age 65 and over found that pet owners were more physically fit and less likely to suffer a decline in health in the course of a year. The trend held up even after researchers adjusted for the fact that pet owners tended to be younger and more active than non owners. Interestingly, cat owners enjoyed the same rewards as dog owners, strong evidence that pets can improve your health even if they aren't constantly begging for walks.

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