I just read a very interesting finding about defense veterans.
These guys almost always have post-traumatic stress and anxiety.
I can’t even imagine the things they have to live with.
But investigators from the University of South Australia tried something to lift their spirits.
They assigned them an emotional support dog.
And the results were incredible.
More than half of the participants saw a significant improvement in mood and mental health.
Associate Professor Van Hooff even said that “For many veterans, an assistance dog gave them a sense of purpose and a reason to live.”
I would expect that assistance dogs would support the veterans, but not to this extent.
The reason I am telling this to you is not to tell you how awesome dogs are.
(Although they are pretty awesome).
When I read studies like this, I try to think about what we can derive from them.
There is nothing magical about dogs that improves people’s health.
How could they support the veterans so much?
Behind the answer to that question lies a very important Christian principle.
Dogs are very good at keeping people company.
This is essential in old age.
There is a number of analyses out there, showing that people become increasingly lonely as they grow older.
They don’t meet so many people anymore.
They don’t have a lot of goals.
And they lack the strive they had when they were younger.
Loneliness is detrimental to people’s health.
That is why attending your local church is even more important as you grow older.
If you are a Christian, you know that the church provides a sense of community, belonging, and purpose.
It gives you the ability to meet and interact with people who have similar values and beliefs whenever you want to.
A lot of churches also provide a variety of activities and events, such as Scripture study groups, volunteer options, and social gatherings.
This annihilates loneliness.
And it greatly boosts people’s mental and physical health.
Too many people nowadays are lonely and sad.
Christianity actively fights that every day and promotes emotional and spiritual well-being.
If you ever feel lonely, know that your local church can correct that.
We are always there for one another.
And we should encourage everyone, especially the elderly, to participate in church activities and promote a sense of purpose.
God Bless
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The Christian Tech-Nerd 