One simple lifestyle choice could help you live longer, says longevity expert

The most effective strategy for prolonging life might be at the end of a leash. Dan Buettner, longevity expert and founder of the organization Blue Zones in Minneapolis, Minnesota, highlighted a growing body of scientific evidence showing that owning a dog is strongly associated with a reduced risk of early death, particularly from cardiovascular disease. "The best thing you can do to add years to your life may surprise you. Get a dog!" Buettner advised during a recent episode of "The Dan Buettner Podcast." "Research shows that dog owners live longer, suffer fewer heart attacks and experience less loneliness. Why? Because a dog forces you to walk every day, gives you a purpose and provides unconditional love." LEADING ONCOLOGIST REVEALS 6 HABITS THAT COULD PROMOTE LONGEVITY AND REDUCE YOUR RISK OF CHRONIC ILLNESS Dog ownership is associated with a 24% reduction in all-cause mortality for the general population compared to non-owners, according to research published by the American Heart Association in its journal Circulation. For individuals who have already suffered a major cardiac event, such as a heart attack or stroke, living with a dog reduced the risk of death by up to 33%. Epidemiologists and psychologists point to three reasons why canine companions may extend human lifespans. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES No. 1: Daily physical activity Studies published in BMC Public Health indicate that dog owners walk an average of 22 more minutes per day than non-owners, making them significantly more likely to meet standard weekly physical activity guidelines. No. 2: Stress reduction Interacting with a pet lowers levels of cortisol — the body’s primary stress hormone —while boosting oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin. A 12-year Swedish study analyzing 3.4 million participants found that dog owners had lower blood pressure and reduced rates of cardiovascular disease. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER No. 3: Reduced isolation The U.S. Surgeon General has declared chronic loneliness a national public health epidemic, comparing its health risks to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Dogs act as natural "social catalysts," fostering community interaction and providing emotional attachment that combats isolation, particularly in single-person households, experts say. The links between human longevity and caring for a pet aligns with principles found in the "blue zones" — regions of the world with the highest concentration of centenarians. These key principles include natural daily movement, a strong sense of purpose, stress reduction and deep social connections, according to Buettner. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ By incorporating a dog into a daily routine, owners can incorporate these habits without having to engineer complex health regimens. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP "So if you want to live longer," Buettner advised, "go adopt a dog!"