The smell of your partner could speed up your aging

The relationship between smells and their impact on our longevity might be deeper than previously thought. A recent study conducted by the University of Otago has shed light on how sensory signals from the opposite sex, especially smells, can influence aging and health in animals. This discovery opens a new field of research on the impact of our sensory environment on our long-term well-being.


The researchers focused on the effect of female odors on male mice, placed in different environments to measure the impact on their fertility and life expectancy. Some males were alone, others with females, some exposed only to the scents of absent females, and a final group combined female presence with exposure to their odors. The results showed that mice exposed to female odors from middle age until their old age experienced reduced fertility. Moreover, exposure to female scents, coupled with cohabitation with females, increased the mortality rate among these male mice.

This study emphasizes the importance of sensory perception in the life and health dynamics of mammals. The researchers suggest that, in mice, pheromones play a crucial role in reproduction. In humans, other sensory signals could have similar effects, notably by causing chronic stress, which could significantly affect health.

These observations prompt reflection on the sensory environment we are part of, how we perceive it, and the emotions it evokes. Being aware of these elements could be key to understanding and potentially improving our long-term well-being.