Honey bees are developing into a new model system in aging research because they are experimentally accessible, and they display a large variability in life span potential and a high degree of social and behavioral complexity. Worker honey bees live relatively short lives. Their initiation of foraging is a key determinant of life span because it increases extrinsic and intrinsic mortality risks. Little is known about changes during their foraging period and the biology towards the end of their lives. In general, little is known about behavioral senescence in insects. In this study we investigate the effect of old age in foragers on intrinsic mortality risk, sensory responsiveness and learning.