Navigation
Optimal dietary patterns for healthy aging
As the global population ages, identifying diets that not only prevent noncommunicable diseases but also promote healthy aging is essential. This research uses longitudinal data from the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, spanning 1986 to 2016, to examine the association between long-term adherence to eight dietary patterns and ultraprocessed food consumption and healthy aging. Healthy aging is evaluated based on cognitive, physical, and mental health metrics, as well as longevity to 70 years free of chronic diseases.
Out of 105,015 participants (66% women, mean age 53 years), 9,771 (9.3%) achieved healthy aging after up to 30 years of follow-up. Results indicate that higher adherence to each dietary pattern correlates with increased odds of healthy aging, with odds ratios for the highest quintile versus the lowest ranging from 1.45 (95% CI = 1.35–1.57 for a healthful plant-based diet) to 1.86 (95% CI = 1.71–2.01 for the Alternative Healthy Eating Index). Notably, when the threshold for healthy aging was adjusted to 75 years, the Alternative Healthy Eating Index diet exhibited the strongest association, with an odds ratio of 2.24 (95% CI = 2.01–2.50).
Furthermore, higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, unsaturated fats, nuts, legumes, and low-fat dairy was positively associated with healthy aging, while increased intake of trans fats, sodium, sugary beverages, and red or processed meats was negatively correlated. The findings suggest that dietary patterns rich in plant-based foods, complemented by moderate amounts of healthy animal-based foods, may significantly enhance healthy aging, providing a foundation for future dietary guidelines. [NPID: Aging, dietary patterns, ultraprocessed foods, Alternative Healthy Eating Index]
Year: 2025
