Animals become less sociable as they age in similar way to humans, research shows

While decline in interactions is seen as negative for humans, it can have health benefits for animals

While Victor Meldrew was a cantankerous caricature, humans are known to become less social as they get older. Now researchers say we are not alone with many animals behaving in the same way - and the trait is not always a bad thing.

Experts studying animals from wild deer to insects, monkeys and birds have revealed a host of insights into the relationship between age and social connections.