"Boost Longevity After 60: Diverse Diet Beats Vegetarian, Study Finds"

Eating More of This Could Help Seniors Live Longer, Study Suggests

Switching to a vegetarian diet can have numerous health benefits, reducing the risk of chronic illnesses, as stated by the Mayo Clinic. However, a recent study published in the Nature journal npj Aging proposes that individuals over the age of 60 might require a more diverse diet to potentially extend their lifespan.

The study, released in April 2025, acknowledges previous research indicating the advantages of vegetarianism, such as a lowered risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, and cancer in younger and middle-aged adults. Despite these benefits, the team of nutrition researchers from Fudan University in China aimed to explore how vegetarian diets could affect aging adults. They noted the lack of studies on the health outcomes of vegetarianism in older adults, highlighting the potential nutritional deficiencies in protein, vitamin B12, calcium, iron, and essential omega-3 fatty acids.

• Vegan (complete avoidance of all animal products)
• Ovo-vegetarian (includes eggs)
• Pesco-vegetarian (includes fish and seafood)
• Omnivorous (consumes both plant- and animal-based products)

After tracking nearly 2,900 healthy Chinese older adults for an average of six years, the study found that those maintaining an omnivorous diet from age 60 had higher odds of achieving healthy aging compared to consistent vegetarians. Moreover, participants who reached age 80 while following an omnivorous diet were less likely to develop major chronic diseases, physical function impairments, or cognitive issues.

The study highlighted age-related changes in the body's digestive and metabolic systems, flagging the risks of muscle loss and bone fractures for seniors on vegetarian diets. Interestingly, older adults following a vegan diet were associated with a higher likelihood of adverse effects on healthy aging, mainly due to an increased risk of protein deficiency.

While the findings do not necessarily advocate for a heavy meat-based diet, they emphasize the unique nutritional requirements that aging individuals may develop. Consulting with a healthcare provider or nutritionist to strike a balance in one's diet is crucial for promoting a healthy and longer life.

Subscribe for Daily Health Updates

For daily wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader's Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram.

Additional Reading

• New Research: Men with This Sexual Health Trait Might Live Longer
• New Study: Coffee at This Hour Could Lower Heart Disease Risk and Help You Live Longer
• 5 Meal Prep Tips for People Who Are Vegans or Vegetarians
• A Surprising Meat Has Been Linked With Colon Cancer in a New Study

The post Over 60? Eating More of This Could Help You Live Longer, Suggests Curious New Study appeared first on The Healthy.