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Staying Healthy
Dogs may increase activity levels in older adults
Research we're watching
Image: © Halfpoint/Thinkstock
Dog is a woman's best … workout buddy? Maybe, says a study published online June 9 by BMC Public Health, which found that having a dog appeared to increase physical activity in older adults.
Researchers asked 43 pairs of dog owners and non-owners to wear an activity monitor for a week to track their physical movements. Subjects wore the device three times over the course of one year. They also kept an activity log that included information about themselves and their dog, as well as their daily schedule. As it turns out, the dog owners spent more time walking than those without a dog, and they also took about 2,670 more steps each day. So, if you've been thinking about getting a dog this might give you one more reason to consider a furry friend.
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