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A Twin Protection Effect? Explaining Twin Survival Advantages with a Two-Process Mortality Model
David J Sharrow1, James J Anderson1
1University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America.
Plos One
|May 19, 2016
Summary
Monozygotic twins show increased survival rates compared to dizygotic twins and the general population. This survival advantage, particularly before age 65, may stem from the social closeness inherent in monozygotic twin relationships.
Area of Science:
- Demography
- Genetics
- Sociology
Background:
- Twin studies traditionally focus on lifespan heritability.
- The impact of zygosity on survival across the life course is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of zygosity in survival differences.
- To analyze survival patterns using a two-process mortality model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Danish Twin Registry and Human Mortality Database.
- Applied a two-process mortality model to partition survivorship into intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
Main Results:
- Monozygotic twins exhibit higher cumulative survival proportions than dizygotic twins and the general population at most ages.
- Intrinsic mortality processes contribute to older age survival advantage in males.
- Monzygotic twins show a health protection effect against extrinsic death at younger ages.
Conclusions:
- The social closeness of monozygotic twins may drive survival advantages at ages under 65.
- Findings suggest social factors, not just genetics, influence twin survival.
- Highlights the importance of considering zygosity and social dynamics in lifespan research.
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