Fewer offspring, longer life: The hidden rule of mammal aging
International analysis of 117 mammal species and meta-analyses finds reproductive suppression (hormonal or surgical) increases average lifespan about 10% across mammals. Effects differ by sex — castration benefits males via reduced testosterone and risky behavior, while females gain from avoiding pregnancy and lactation, though rodent studies indicate possible adverse later-life health effects and human evidence remains limited.
Why it mattersMax Planck data showing ~10% lifespan increase from sterilization means geroscience trials must record reproductive history.