Have littleamis would it be good for health ? Could this even be the key to longevity? This is what a recent study aimed to demonstrate, highlighting the evolutionary advantages of a small social circle in older individuals.
Conducted with macaques and correlated with the observation of human behavior, the latter highlighted that having a small social circle would help reduce the risk of infections while avoiding the dangers of complete isolation.
Understanding social aging through a study
Research carried out by the Animal Behavior Research Center at the University of Exeter showed that many animalsincluding humans, reduced their social interactions with age. This behavior, called “social aging,” appeared to have an evolutionary advantage. Thus, the team studied a group of female rhesus macaques to analyze the relationship between sociability, age and disease. Using models, the researchers then estimated the number of social partners and the time spent socializing. Data crossed with simulations of infectious diseases.
Reduce interactions for better health
The results revealed that older macaques, by limiting their social interactions, reduced their risk of infection. Erin Siracusa, co-author of the study, explained: “Our results suggest a powerful reason why many animals, including humans, might reduce their social bonds as they age”. Indeed, this study also demonstrated that older macaques, despite weakened immunity, suffered less from infectious diseases than younger ones. “Infection costs are lower among older individuals with a restricted social life, which highlights a protective effect,”
she added in the NY Post.
A parallel with humans
A trend also observed in humans. Thus, a 2022 survey of 2,000 Americans aged over 55 revealed that 75% of respondents had seen their social circle shrink with age. Nearly half of them had lost at least three friends in two years. However, while small social circles limited the risk of infection, complete isolation posed a danger. According to the WHO, loneliness posed a major health threat. It would be comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Isolation is linked to anxiety, depression, reduced immune function and cardiovascular disorders.
Finding the right balance
Thus, maintaining a balance between interaction and social withdrawal seems essential to live a long and healthier life. Limiting social relationships without cutting them off completely would maximize health benefits while reducing the risks associated with loneliness. The famous “less but better”!
