Scientists prove: dogs slow down aging in women at the cellular level.

According to ТСН: Dogs contribute to slowing down aging in women at the cellular level, according to a new study by American scientists. It turns out that just one hour of communication with a dog a week can affect biological aging markers.

The impact of dogs on humans

Psychologist from the State Emergency Service Hanna Yatsenko and her assistant Banana, a Spanish Water Dog, live and work in Kyiv, having moved from Mariupol on the second day of the full-scale invasion.

“I was looking for a dog for work. And when I saw her, to be honest, I fell in love at first sight,” says Hanna Yatsenko, deputy head of the psychological support department of the Main Department of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Kyiv.

Banana helps Hanna in her work with rescuers, military personnel, and children. The beginning of each meeting is always accompanied by smiles, which becomes the first emotional contact during therapy.

“Canine therapy is any work involving a dog. It can take different directions, but the presence of a dog allows for faster relaxation and establishing contact. I enjoy working with the military — they don’t always want to go to a psychologist. But when you say ‘to the dog’ — they will go 'to the dog'. And so, gradually communicating, we can work,” asserts Hanna Yatsenko.

Communication with dogs can influence the body's cells: scientific confirmation

Scientists from Florida Atlantic University have proven that interaction with dogs positively affects the cells of the body. The study included 28 female veterans with PTSD. Those who interacted with animals (trained them) for two months showed telomere elongation — markers of biological aging — as well as reduced anxiety and stress.

“Chronic stress raises cortisol levels and contributes to faster cellular aging. When we interact with dogs, even for 10 minutes, it helps reduce stress and slow down this process,” notes PhD in Psychology Marina Didenko.

The director of the Institute of Gerontology Borys Mankovskyi explains what telomeres are.

“Telomeres are parts of the genetic machinery of cells. The length of telomeres is directly related to lifespan. Thus, the longer the telomeres, the longer we live. Telomere elongation is a factor that can prolong life,” he comments.

Impact on health and age groups

Borys Mankovskyi emphasizes the undoubtedly positive impact of communication with animals on health.

“Communicating with animals positively affects overall health, in particular preventing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, and significantly improving cognitive functions: memory, attention, executive function. This contributes to a longer life,” emphasizes the scientist.

For older adults, dogs become a real support, especially during loneliness.

Interestingly, the effect of communication with dogs is felt more by women than by men.

“This may be related to the emotional component or the fact that women traditionally care more for others. Studies show that during interaction with dogs, cortisol levels in women decrease more than in men,” notes Marina Didenko.

Dog owners confirm the positive impact.

The study, the results of which formed the basis for these conclusions, is an important step in understanding how interaction between animals and humans can improve quality of life, especially for women. The introduction of canine therapy, as a method exploring these relationships, could become a new way to support psychological and emotional well-being.

Currently, in Ukraine, the topic of psychosocial support through communication with animals is becoming increasingly relevant. This can be not only a path to improving health but also an important part of social adaptation for those who have experienced difficult life circumstances.