Like Humans, Animals Become Less Sociable with Age
The Decline in Sociability Across Species
As we age, we tend to be less open to encounters with unknown individuals, and less inclined to bond with people we have just met. Curiously, this phenomenon is not unique to the human species: animals also become less sociable as they age.
Wild Adult Female Deer and the Social Isolation
Wild adult female deer have less contact with their fellow creatures as they grow older, while ethologists have observed the same behaviour in rhesus macaques and certain insects, including the common fruit fly.
Birds, Too, Experience Social Distancing
Birds, too, are not immune to this phenomenon of social distancing. Sparrows, for example, attach less importance to maintaining numerous friendships as they advance in age, as the study notes.
Study Co-Author Explains the Phenomenon
“Birds, like mammals, also reduce the size of their social network as they age. Specifically, the number of friendships, and how central a bird is to the wider social network, declined with age,” study co-author Jamie Dunning explained.
Why Do Animals Become Less Sociable with Age?
Josh Firth, editor of the journal, believes there are several reasons why animals become less sociable over time. It’s possible that as animals age, they become less socially connected because they don’t feel the need to share information in the same way that their younger counterparts do.
Alternatively, they may avoid mixing with their peers to protect themselves from certain parasites. Deer, for example, tend to become more asocial with age for this reason.
The Benefits of Sociability in Animals
However, as with humans, sociability can have multiple benefits for animals. After analysing data on over 150 different species, Roberto Salguero-Gómez, associate professor of ecology at Oxford University, found that the most sociable animals tend to live longer than their more solitary counterparts. They also have longer reproductive periods and generation cycles.
Social Isolation Has Negative Consequences
In other words, social isolation is just as harmful in animals. “In humans, a poor social environment can have the same level of impact as smoking or obesity on healthy ageing… the same is true for other animals,” the study highlighted.
Conclusion
The study highlights that animals, like humans, become less sociable with age. While there may be various reasons for this phenomenon, it is essential to recognize the importance of social connections for animals and humans alike. By understanding the benefits of sociability, we can work towards promoting healthy social environments for all species.
FAQs
Q: Why do animals become less sociable with age?
A: It is possible that as animals age, they become less socially connected because they don’t feel the need to share information in the same way that their younger counterparts do. Alternatively, they may avoid mixing with their peers to protect themselves from certain parasites.
Q: What are the benefits of sociability in animals?
A: The most sociable animals tend to live longer than their more solitary counterparts, and they also have longer reproductive periods and generation cycles.
Q: Is social isolation harmful for animals?
A: Yes, social isolation is just as harmful in animals as it is in humans. It can have a negative impact on healthy ageing and overall well-being.