A recent study from Harvard, presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, highlights the importance of a healthy diet in midlife for promoting healthy aging. The research involved 106,931 participants, all aged 39 and older, who were free of chronic diseases when the study began in 1986. Participants provided dietary information through questionnaires every four years.
Over a 30-year follow-up period, nearly half of the participants passed away. However, only 9,837 individuals (9.2%) lived to age 70 and beyond without chronic diseases while maintaining good physical, cognitive, and mental health.
The study found that those who adhered to a healthy diet from the age of 40 were up to 84% more likely to experience healthy aging compared to those who did not. These individuals reported better independence and quality of life as they aged.
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, unsaturated fats, nuts, legumes, and low-fat dairy correlated with a higher likelihood of healthy aging. Conversely, high intake of trans fats, sodium, and red and processed meats was linked to a lower chance of healthy aging.
The study concluded that dietary choices made in midlife significantly impact the quality of aging.
