What you eat greatly impacts your chances of healthy aging. In a new study, just over 9% of U.S. adults made it to the age of 70 free of physical, mental and cognitive impairments, and their diet had a lot to do with it, according to researchers.
How many Americans make it to the age of 70 in good physical, mental and cognitive shape?
An analysis of more than 105,000 people in the U.S. found only about 9% experience ‘healthy aging’ by the time they hit the big 7-0.
While many genetic and lifestyle factors impact aging, researchers say diet is the leading cause of chronic disease and death worldwide.
In a new study, researchers reviewed data from middle-aged adults who filled out a series of food questionnaires and were followed for up to 30 years. The researchers scored their diets based on how well they followed 8 healthy eating plans.
The results…only 9.3% of participants reached the age of 70 with no physical, mental or cognitive impairments and without 11 major chronic diseases, including coronary artery disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and kidney failure.
Those who consumed more nutrients from fruits and veggies, whole grains, unsaturated fats, nuts, legumes and low-fat dairy were most likely to achieve healthy aging.
In contrast, eating more trans fats, sodium, sugary beverages, and red and/or processed meats was associated with lower odds.
The leading diet was the Alternative Healthy Eating Index, which was developed to prevent chronic disease. Others that scored well included the DASH diet, the Alternative Mediterranean Index and the Planetary Health Diet.
The authors say these findings may help people improve their chances of living longer and healthier lives.
Source: Nature Medicine
Author Affiliations: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, EPIC Center of the Montreal Heart Institute, Institut de Valorisation des Données, Tufts University, Brigham and Women’s Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Rush University Medical Center, University of Copenhagen
Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Leave a Reply