If you are looking for motivation to get out be more physically active, the answer could be lying at your feet. A study in Canada published this year found that dog ownership among over 50s could promote healthy ageing through social interactions and walking in the area. "Older adults who walk dogs often in their neighbuorhoods may benefit from both increased physical activity and heightened sense of community to an extent that supports healthy aging," write the authors in Health Place.
Kids may also get a boost in physical activity when there's a dog in their lives. An Australian study also published this year found that where a family owned a dog, children tended to walk more and be more physically active. "Within dog-owning families, the promotion of walking and active play with a dog may be a strategy to increase children's physical activity," write the authors.
And if your family currently has no canine? Maybe ask if neighbours or friends need a hand or company bringing their dogs out for exercise. Just remember to observe rules about leads and bring a bag for picking up after the dog.