What dolphins’ friendships reveal about ageing

STRONG social bonds can slow biological ageing in male bottlenose dolphins, according to new research from UNSW Sydney.

The findings, released under embargo on December 15, are based on analysis of a long-studied dolphin population in Shark Bay, Western Australia.

Researchers found that male dolphins with tighter, more consistent social networks aged more slowly at the cellular level than more solitary males.

Lead author Dr Livia Gerber said the study was the first to show this effect in a non-human species.

“Social connections are so important for health that they slow down ageing at the cellular level,” Dr Gerber said.

“We knew social bonds helped animals live longer, but this is the first time we’ve shown they affect the ageing process.”

The research analysed skin samples and compared biological ageing markers with detailed data on social behaviour collected over decades.

Dolphins, like humans, show physical signs of ageing including reduced energy, slower movement and changes to skin condition.

The study found dolphins that hunted, rested and moved consistently with close allies showed slower biological ageing.

Researchers said solitary behaviour exposed dolphins to higher stress through increased competition, predation risk and lack of support.

“The health benefits of friendship are not unique to humans, but a fundamental biological principle across social mammals,” Dr Gerber said.

“Social needs are biological needs.”

Dr Gerber said similar effects were likely to be found in other highly social species, including elephants, primates and wolves.

“I predict we’ll find that friendship is a natural anti-ageing secret across social animals,” she said.

The findings add to growing evidence that social connection plays a critical role in long-term health across species.

BY CHARLIE GREEN