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Pet Ownership and Health Benefits

Trivia: Who released the 1991 hit “Unforgettable”...as a virtual duet with her late father?

Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Friday newsletter is here!

Today we’re sharing great tips on Pet Ownership and Health Benefits, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!

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What We’re Reading

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By: K.T. Lee

When engineer Zoey Butler’s dream job at a cutting-edge energy company ends in an FBI raid, she loses everything—except her determination to make things right. Teaming up with Special Agent Liam Graham and his spirited K-9 partner, Tasha, Zoey joins the FBI’s ranks to uncover the truth behind a massive corporate scandal. But when she’s sent back undercover to confront her past, she discovers that the danger at Future State Energy runs far deeper—and far deadlier—than anyone imagined.

On this day in 1886, the first dinner jacket—later known as the tuxedo—was worn publicly at a country club in Tuxedo Park, New York. The stylish, shorter black jacket broke from the era’s formal tailcoat tradition, sparking both scandal and admiration. Over time, it became a global symbol of modern elegance and remains the gold standard for formal wear today.

Pet Ownership and Health Benefits

From wagging tails to gentle purrs, pets bring more than companionship—they bring measurable health benefits that can improve both body and mind. Whether it’s a dog, cat, bird, or even a goldfish, sharing life with an animal has been shown to lower stress, encourage physical activity, and boost emotional well-being.

1. Stress Relief and Emotional Support
Spending time with pets triggers the release of oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” while lowering cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. Simply petting a dog or cat can slow your heart rate, ease tension, and create a sense of calm. For people who live alone or are navigating major life changes, animals can offer grounding companionship and emotional stability.

2. Physical Health Benefits
Dog owners, in particular, tend to move more. Regular walks increase cardiovascular health, improve joint flexibility, and strengthen balance. Even small tasks like feeding, brushing, or cleaning up after a pet keep you active and engaged. Studies have linked pet ownership to lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, and a decreased risk of heart disease—all powerful reasons to celebrate that morning stroll.

3. Mental and Social Well-Being
Pets can reduce loneliness and depression by creating a sense of purpose and routine. They’re also wonderful social icebreakers—dog parks, pet-friendly cafes, and community events naturally bring people together. Seniors often report that pets help them feel more connected, motivated, and needed, improving overall quality of life.

4. Cognitive and Mindfulness Benefits
Caring for an animal encourages mindfulness—being present in the moment. Watching a cat stretch in a sunbeam or listening to a bird sing invites you to slow down and appreciate simple joys. For people recovering from illness or loss, this gentle presence can support healing and hope.

Of course, pet ownership isn’t without responsibility—feeding, vet care, and daily attention all take time and resources. But for many, the rewards far outweigh the work. Whether you’re walking a dog, chatting with a parrot, or watching fish drift through an aquarium, the connection between humans and animals offers daily reminders of love, trust, and the beauty of simple companionship.

What’s the Biggest Health Benefit You Get from Your Pet?

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Yesterday’s Poll Results: Which Gentle Adventure Would You Try First?

It looks like nature hiking takes the top spot for our readers, with more than a third eager to hit the trails! E-biking came in second, proving that adventure doesn’t have to mean breaking a sweat to be exciting. Kayaking, pickleball, and paddleboarding also earned plenty of interest—showing that gentle adventures come in all forms. Whether it’s a walk in the woods or a spin along the coast, readers are clearly ready to move, explore, and enjoy the great outdoors at their own pace.

TOP COMMENTS

  • “My husband and I do a combination of all of these except for paddle boarding.”

  • “My younger sister loves pickleball and is encouraging me to try it. I may, although I have explained to her that a couple of years ago, I sprained my ankle and knee walking in the garage.”

  • “I wouldn't mind attempting kayaking or canoeing, maybe paddleboarding. I enjoy swimming, so these might be a good addition.”

  • “Soooo interesting. Baby boomers must figure this out to avoid premature death. Median age of death is 77; would be great to make it to at least 87!”

  • “Speed reading.”

  • “Life an Adventure and I have tried so many outdoor. May Favorite is still Riding my Bike. I am celebrating 1500 miles on my Bike today (non-eBike)”

Reclaiming Joy After 50: A Gentle Path Through Divorce

Ending a marriage later in life can feel destabilizing—but it also offers a chance to rediscover and redefine what brings you joy. In this thoughtful piece, the author encourages women over 50 to tune into what’s uniquely theirs—from simple comforts to steadfast companions—and begin celebrating those as foundations for a new life.

Instead of waiting for big wins, she suggests honoring daily victories: managing finances, reclaiming personal space, or simply surviving a hard day. One powerful exercise she shares is the ritual of writing five things you’re grateful for every evening. Over time, these small acts of gratitude illuminate patterns—clues to what truly lifts your spirit.

Divorce doesn’t have to be a full stop. With consistent gratitude practices and a willingness to notice small joys, this phase can become a bridge to renewed strength, purpose, and possibility.

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Slang Phrase of the Day

Phrase: Ripped

Meaning: Used to describe someone who is very physically fit or muscular, often with visible muscle definition. It can also be used humorously to describe someone who’s been working out a lot—or even just looking strong for their age!

In a sentence: “George has been swimming every morning since retirement—he’s looking downright ripped these days!”

Good News of the Day

Nocturnal Teamwork: Young Fish Use Anemones as Living Protection

In a remarkable underwater discovery, scientists observed a style of cooperation never before seen: juvenile fish carrying sea anemones in their mouths to ward off predators. During nighttime dives—captured through blackwater photography—researchers documented species like filefish, driftfish, and young jacks transporting larval anemones or button polyps as a defensive strategy. What’s more, the relationship may not be one-sided: the anemones could benefit from being carried to new locations, hinting at a previously unknown form of mutualism.

This behavior challenges our understanding of ocean relationships. While adult fish have long been known to shelter among corals or anemones, the idea of carrying anemones as a living armor is new and intriguing. The sting from juvenile anemones might be weak, but just enough to make predators think twice.

Thanks to advances in blackwater photography—techniques that allow divers to capture life in the dark open ocean—these surprising moments are now coming to light. The discovery invites us to reconsider how many delicate partnerships could be hiding in the deep, waiting for nighttime explorers to reveal them.

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RetireHub Trivia

Want more trivia? Play our “Nostalgia Trivia Game” on our site! We add fresh questions daily, so there’s always something new to test your knowledge.

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Who released the 1991 hit “Unforgettable”…as a virtual duet with her late father?

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Which country has two capitals—Sucre (constitutional) and La Paz (seat of government)?

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Whose 1953 coronation was the first televised in the United Kingdom?

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- Jay

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