Walnut, a red deer born on the island of Rum in Scotland in 1995, lived a long life, raising 14 offspring before passing away at the age of 21. In her later years, she spent most of her time away from the herd, often seen grooming and socializing with another female deer named Vanity. After Walnut’s death, Vanity lived alone and passed away two years later at the age of 23.
Research conducted on aging red deer females like Walnut has shown that as they grow older, they tend to have fewer social connections. This change in behavior may be influenced by a variety of factors, including a decline in physical health, changes in habitat preferences, and an increased risk of disease. Older deer, like other aging animals, may alter their social habits to reduce their contact with others and avoid potential risks.
Similarly, studies on Soay sheep on the island of Hirta have revealed that older sheep also reduce the size of their social networks as they age. This change in behavior may be linked to a decline in immune function and an increased susceptibility to parasitic infections. Older animals, both deer and sheep, may prioritize their health and well-being by limiting their interactions with other members of their species.
In contrast, rhesus macaques on Cayo Santiago in Puerto Rico exhibit a different social pattern as they age. Older female macaques become more selective in their social interactions, focusing on kin and long-term partners. Grooming, a common social behavior among macaques, plays a crucial role in maintaining social bonds and reducing conflict within the group. After a hurricane devastated the island, socially connected macaques were found to have higher survival rates, emphasizing the importance of social relationships in times of adversity.
While the social behaviors of aging animals may offer insights into the complexities of aging and social dynamics, researchers caution against directly applying these findings to human populations. Each species has its unique characteristics and evolutionary history, making generalizations challenging. However, studying how animals adapt their social habits with age can provide valuable lessons for understanding the importance of social connections in promoting well-being and resilience in later life.
