AssetID: 54259916
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Aging Animals Reduce Social Interactions, Gaining Health Benefits – Study Finds
Caption: Aging Animals Reduce Social Interactions, Gaining Health Benefits – Study Finds. New research shows that animals, like humans, tend to become less sociable as they age, a pattern that researchers say is not necessarily negative and may have health benefits. The study, spanning diverse species from wild deer to insects and birds, reveals a common tendency among animals to limit social connections as they grow older, according to research led by Dr. Josh Firth of the University of Leeds. Dr. Firth suggests that older animals may socialize less to avoid infection, especially as aging reduces their immune resilience, making solitude potentially beneficial for health. The study proposes that, while reduced social interactions in humans are often seen as negative, for animals, this shift can help minimize health risks, such as infections, as they age. As editor of a special issue in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Dr. Firth highlights that studying animal social behavior through life stages provides unique insights, especially since scientists can observe animals’ full life spans. Research covering 150 species showed that more social animals tend to live longer, have extended reproductive periods, and longer generation times, underscoring the evolutionary advantages of social behavior. A six-year study on house sparrows found that older birds had smaller social networks, a trend attributed to the mortality of their age-mates over time. Another study on common terns uncovered genetic factors contributing to age-related social changes, suggesting that social tendencies may be hardwired to some extent. Research on rhesus macaques found that older animals reduced their disease risk by having fewer social interactions, showing how strategic distancing may protect aging individuals from health threats. A study co-authored by Dr. Firth on red deer demonstrated that older individuals are more prone to parasitic worm infections, but lower social engagement could mitigate this risk. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Ageing,Aging,Animals,Reduce,Social Interactions,Gaining,Health,Benefits,Study,Science,Wildlife,Natural World,Nature,Macaques,Birds,Insects,University of Leeds,Research
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