Research has revealed that humans are not the only creatures experiencing social isolation with age. A study of over 150 animal species found a common pattern among animals, including deer, monkeys, birds, and insects. The trend suggests that as individuals age, they tend to become less socially connected.
According to Dr. Josh Firth from the University of Leeds, this decline in social connections can have both costs and benefits. While it may lead to a decrease in information sharing and an increased risk of infections, it can also allow older individuals to focus on their health and well-being without the added stress of maintaining social relationships.
Firth notes that some animals exhibit similar changes as they age. For example, house sparrows have smaller social circles and are less well-connected as they get older due to the death of peers within the same age group. However, other studies suggest that a genetic component may also play a role in age-related social changes.
A modeling study on rhesus macaques found that older animals can reduce their risk of severe diseases by being less connected in their social networks. Another study on wild adult female red deer showed that not interacting with as many individuals can offset the increased risk of parasitic worm infections that comes with aging.
The research highlights the importance of considering both the costs and benefits of social isolation with age, particularly for humans who face unique challenges in this regard. With the help of new technologies such as virtual interactions, it may be possible to strike a balance between maintaining social connections and prioritizing health and well-being as we age.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/oct/29/animals-become-less-sociable-as-they-age-in-similar-way-to-humans-research-shows