WOMAN'S BEST FRIEND

OWNING or working with man's best friend could slow down biological ageing in women, according to a study.

- BY STEPHEN BEECH

The research, which focused on female ex soldiers, is among the first to examine the impact of working with service dogs.

Scientists measured biological indicators of stress and discovered the way it's felt emotionally doesn't always reflect how it affects the body at a cellular level.

They suggest non-pharmacological interventions - such as service dog training - may help reduce the physical toll of stress and slow cellular ageing.