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Older Vegans Less Likely to Reach 100?
3 Mar
Summary
- Adults over 80 who avoided meat had lower odds of reaching 100.
- This association was only seen in underweight individuals.
- Including fish, eggs, or dairy mitigated the reduced longevity risk.
A recent study has indicated that elderly individuals, specifically those aged 80 and above, who abstain from eating meat may face a lower probability of reaching their 100th birthday. This finding contrasts with earlier research linking plant-based diets to reduced chronic disease risk in younger populations.
The research, tracking over 5,000 adults aged 80 and older, found that the link between avoiding meat and reduced longevity was confined to participants who were underweight. When the study excluded non-meat animal products like fish, eggs, and dairy, the association with shortened lifespans disappeared.
Experts suggest that for older adults, especially those over 80, the nutritional focus shifts from preventing long-term diseases to maintaining daily physical function. Restricting all animal proteins could make it harder to meet protein needs, potentially increasing risks of malnutrition and frailty.
Those who maintained a healthy weight did not show the same association, suggesting body weight might play a role in the findings. The study highlights the importance of adequate nutrient intake, particularly protein and calcium, for preserving muscle and bone health in advanced age. Including select animal products can help meet these needs.
