The aging of humans is similar to that of monkeys

The study of aging processes among living beings is an incredibly exciting field that raises numerous questions from the perspective of biology and evolution. The aging of animals is not solely explained by biochemical changes associated with advancing age but is also closely related to interspecies differences. Understanding the similarities and differences between humans and monkeys may be key to a more comprehensive understanding of aging processes. New research indicates that aging results not only from environmental factors but also from the combined effects of genetic background and lifestyle differences.

Researchers studying the aging processes of various monkey species have concluded that the process of human aging is much more similar to that of primates than previously assumed. Previous beliefs suggested that humans have different aging mechanisms due to their long lifespan, but the latest analyses highlight that the similarities are much more significant than we thought.

Research Methods and Objectives

In the study, American scientists Anne Bronikowski and Susan Alberts examined seven different monkey species, analyzing nearly three thousand individuals in total. The aim of the investigation was to compare aging processes and mortality probabilities with the human species. The selected animals included Madagascar sifaka lemurs, Costa Rican capuchin monkeys, Brazilian spider monkeys, Kenyan vervet monkeys, baboons, chimpanzees, and gorillas.

The scientists analyzed mortality probabilities as age progressed and found that the aging process exhibited a similar pattern across all species. The results indicated that mortality risks are higher in the younger age group, followed by a relatively stable period, after which the risks continuously increase with advancing age. This phenomenon was described by the scientists similarly to human aging, opening new perspectives in evolutionary biology.

Primates and Aging

The aging processes observed in the studied species show numerous parallels with human aging. Among the animals, females generally live longer, while males experience an increase in mortality risks earlier. An exception is the Brazilian spider monkey, where males live to a similar age as females. This phenomenon is likely due to a lower level of competition among males, which reduces stress and the risk of injuries from fights.

In contrast, male Madagascar sifakas engage in fierce competition for the favor of females throughout their lives, which accelerates their aging process. Thus, living conditions and environmental factors fundamentally influence the aging of different species, rather than their phylogenetic relationships.

Human Aging and Future Research

Although the long lifespan of the human species comes with numerous advantages, research suggests that humans are still considered typical primates. Due to advancements in medicine, many people live longer than before, but the precise mechanisms determining our maximum lifespan remain unknown. Future research aims to better understand the factors influencing aging and how this knowledge could be utilized to promote human health.

Studying primates offers further opportunities to expand our knowledge of aging processes. Investigating the behavioral and physiological characteristics of our animal relatives may help uncover the secrets underlying human aging. Such research is not only important from the perspective of evolutionary biology but may also contribute to promoting healthy aging.