Some studies even suggest that dogs can detect our stress and provide sloppy kisses at just the right moment. Researchers believe walking your dog or even simply petting an animal for as little as 10 minutes reduces stress. It fosters a sense of purpose for people of all ages. They can't really 'tell time,' but we still show up each day to meet their mental and physical needs, feed them promptly, and provide essential care. Routine Benefits Us In Other Ways, TooĪnyone who's ever had a cat-butt alarm in the morning understands that pets know exactly when to get us up and moving. RELATED: 15 of the Absolute Best Dog Breeds for Seniors and Retirees Looking for a Furry Best Friend 4. Not to mention they're plenty of fun for us as well. Routine walks with our pets and daily playtime help keep our brains sharp as we age. Some studies suggest that cats and dogs boost the cognitive ability of people over 65. Various antics such as rolling in the grass, chasing their tail, chattering at the window talking to birds, and sprawling across your computer keyboard are often just the comic relief we need. Of course, anyone who ever says, 'I'm thankful for my cat' around the holiday table already knows this.

Cats, despite the stereotypes, demonstrate in many ways how much they love us-some researchers say as much as dogs do. Dogs learned to bond with humans thousands of years ago.

Dogs unconditional love