A groundbreaking 30-year study by researchers at Harvard, the University of Copenhagen, and the University of Montreal examined how dietary patterns in midlife impact healthy aging among over 105,000 participants. The researchers evaluated eight different healthy dietary patterns and found that diets rich in plant-based foods, with low to moderate intake of healthy animal-based foods, were linked to a higher likelihood of reaching age 70 without major chronic diseases, while maintaining cognitive, physical, and mental health.
The Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) emerged as the leading diet, with participants in the highest quintile showing an 86% greater likelihood of healthy aging at 70 and a 2.2-fold higher likelihood of healthy aging at 75 compared to those in the lowest quintile. Conversely, a higher intake of ultra-processed foods, particularly processed meats and sugary beverages, was associated with lower chances of healthy aging. The researchers emphasized that healthy diets can be personalized to meet individuals’ needs and preferences, and further studies with more diverse populations would help validate their findings.