Fruit flies with a genetic mutation that reduces their lifespan (by interfering with an enzyme that mops up dangerous free radicals) live longer if they have more social interactions, University of Iowa scientists have found.

The same enzyme is implicated in age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s in humans.

“This study shows that the lifespan of these flies is plastic and can be conditioned by social interactions, corroborating the notion that human patients of certain age-dependant neurological diseases may be benefited by an appropriate social environment,” said researcher Chun-Fang Wu.