Exceptional Longevity and Biobehavioral Aging in Rhesus Macaques
As human lifespan increases, a critical challenge is to simultaneously improve healthspan, the length of time
we spend in good health. Studying the unique characteristics of individuals with exceptional longevity (ExLong)
is a strategic method to achieve that objective, but it can be challenging to predict who will live longest. The PI
has recently discovered that in a highly translational non-human primate (NHP) model of human health, the
rhesus macaque, some families exhibit exceptional longevity, analogous to humans. This discovery represents
a unique opportunity to identify drivers of a longer, healthier life, because it will allow us to pre-select
individuals predisposed to longevity for study. We will focus on identifying the biobehavioral health factors
(cognitive engagement, active stress coping, health promoting decisions) that play a role in healthy aging in
ExLong individuals, because they can improve well-being as we age, as well as drive healthier outcomes. To
accomplish these goals, we propose to create a new tool to survey biobehavioral aging in ExLong individuals
and controls in one of the largest resources of aging NHPs in the U.S. - the California National Primate
Research Center NIA funded aging colony. This resource includes 100 geriatric (20 years or older) rhesus
monkeys, with ~50 new monkeys “aging-in” annually. We will develop an innovative and high-throughput rapid
assessment that uses cutting edge technology to capture individual differences in biobehavioral aging:
cognitive decline vs. cognitive flexibility, depression vs. resilience, avolition vs. exploration, and social
motivation vs. withdrawal. We will then create a biobehavioral aging map in middle aged and geriatric rhesus
monkeys. Using these tools, we will validate the familial ExLong model and interrogate the unique
biobehavioral characteristics of ExLong individuals. This innovative aging model is anticipated to generate new
targets to increase healthspan and longevity.