Health benefits of owning an aquarium

 

 

 

a baby in front of a larger aquarium

 

 

Fish are fast becoming the choice of many people who desire to keep pets. It is interesting to also know that in many Asian communities, fish are believed to bring good fortune. For example, in China, Feng Shui (Chinese philosophical system of harmonising the human existence with the surrounding environment) body and mind teachers advocate having an aquarium in the home and office because it brings in water, one of the five elements of the earth; and creates tranquillity and harmony by generating positive energy.

The presence and movement of water are believed to bring wealth, prosperity and good fortune, with gold fish in particular believed to help boost finances.

Fish that are kept as pets are usually housed in an aquarium (a transparent glass or plastic container that contains water) and these aquariums can have a calming and therapeutic effects on mental and physical health. Some studies have shown that as little as five minutes’ contact with nature features such as an aquarium, can significantly decrease stress, reduce anger, and increase pleasant feelings.

A research study that was a combined effort of a trio of an urban ecologist, a psychiatrist and a biologist, revealed that petting a dog or cat lowered stress and that interaction with other animals also produces similar results.

During the study, the volunteer subjects were asked to read proven stress inducers. They were allowed a period of rest followed by watching an aquarium. Some of the other subjects were first asked to watch the aquarium and then rest and later read.

Their blood pressures were recorded. It was observed that those who had fish in their room had reduction in their blood pressure. The researchers say the key factor within aquariums relieving stress is the fish. It is not just because of bubbles, ornaments, dancing plants and vibrantly coloured gravel; rather, it is the liveliness and graceful movements of the fish. Fish make people happy and healthy.

There have been many studies on the social, health and educational benefits of children having pets. Owning an aquarium is a stress reducer for kids because watching the fish peacefully through the water as the bubbles flow freely is good scenery that can give a relaxing feel.

In addition to this, the day-to-day care of the fish is often a multi-step processes. For young children, these responsibilities make them more adept at following multi-task instructions. They will also have a sense of accomplishment each time they care for their fish.

Children who own pets or share in pet care responsibilities are often less self centred and more likely to develop humane attitude such as empathy and good nurturing abilities than children who do not own pets.

Having mammals as pets may be challenging for the elderly because they will need a measure of strength to restrain them. In addition to this, the elderly treasure silence and tranquillity and do not appreciate an interruption while they are asleep.

This makes fish to be a perfect choice of pets for them because fish are silent pets that do not require any energy for restraint. An aquarium will also make a good gift for the elderly, as it can make them overcome their solitude because they will constantly respond to the needs of a living thing that requires their attention.

Aquarium’s effects on Alzheimer’s

A Purdue study in 2009 examined the effects of aquariums on the nutritional intake of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

The study followed 60 patients in three health care facilities. In two facilities, patients were exposed to aquaria, and the patients in the third facility were used as a control group and exposed to paintings of seascapes. Patients exposed to the aquaria averaged an increase of 17.2 per cent in the amount of food they consumed. Weight also increased significantly, and the patients required fewer nutritional supplements. In addition to the nutritional benefits, there was also a noticeable decrease in physically aggressive behaviours among the patients.

Great  benefits can also be derived by having an aquarium at a doctors clinic or in a hospital because aquariums can have a calming effect where patients are on edge awaiting results of diagnosis or other medications. In fact, some cardiologists have recommended that  heart patients should  have aquariums in their offices as well as home because they are associated with health benefits like lowered blood pressure, reduced stress, and controlled pulse rate.

When you look into an aquarium, the gentle, graceful movement of fish cools the tension and stress of the day. Aquariums automatically add a dynamic and vibrant look and special feel to any room. It can be placed in that corner of your home which you consider as your own peaceful corner of the world.

Aquarium fish are the most economical pets you can get. You don’t need a lot of funds to purchase them. A small cod fish costs about N800,  a small knife fish costs about N700, while a glass fish bowl costs about N2,000. This implies that with just N3,500, a small aquarium is good to go. Other requirements may include airators, air stones, etc. However, building a huge customised aquarium may cost much more.

 

 

Source the Punch Newspaper