Beijing – Brussels: Europe and the Arabs

A recent study revealed that the quality of diet and maintaining a healthy weight in people over 80 may have a greater impact on longevity than whether or not they eat meat.

The study's findings showed that people who avoid meat may be less likely to reach 100 years of age compared to those who consume it. However, researchers emphasize that these results should not be interpreted as a warning against vegetarian diets without considering the broader context and accompanying data. This was reported by the European news network Euronews in Brussels. The study followed more than 5,000 people in China aged 80 and over as part of the "Chinese Health and Longevity Survey," a national project that began in 1998. By 2018, it was found that participants who did not eat meat were less likely to reach centenary (100 years old) compared to their peers who included meat in their diet.

The study was based on the "Chinese Health and Longevity Survey," a national project that began in 1998. At first glance, this conclusion seems to contradict a large number of studies linking plant-based diets to better health. These dietary patterns are often associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and obesity—benefits typically attributed to high fiber intake and low saturated fat.

The researchers emphasized that the study focused on a very advanced age group, whose nutritional needs differ significantly from those of younger adults. As we age, energy expenditure decreases, muscle mass and bone density decline, and appetite diminishes, increasing the risk of malnutrition and frailty.

Most of the evidence supporting the benefits of plant-based diets comes from studies conducted on younger age groups, not on the more vulnerable elderly. Some research has also shown that older adults who do not eat meat may be more prone to fractures due to lower protein and calcium intake.

In later life, nutritional priorities shift from long-term prevention of chronic diseases to maintaining muscle mass, preventing weight loss, and ensuring the body receives as many nutrients as possible at each meal. Weight is a crucial factor.

The study highlighted a key point: the reduced likelihood of reaching 100 years of age among non-meat eaters was observed only in underweight individuals. This association was not found in older adults with a healthy weight.

Being underweight in old age is a well-established risk factor for frailty and mortality, making body weight a crucial factor in interpreting the study's findings. The study was also observational, meaning it demonstrates statistical correlations but does not establish a direct causal relationship.

The results are also consistent with the so-called "obesity paradox" in older adults, where slightly higher weight is sometimes associated with better survival rates in later life.

Interestingly, the reduced likelihood of reaching 100 years of age was not observed in those who consumed diets that included fish, dairy products, or eggs—foods that provide essential nutrients for muscle and bone health, such as high-quality protein, vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D.

What do the results mean?

The researchers concluded that the main message is not about favoring one diet over another, but rather about the importance of adapting nutrition to age. As we age, our energy needs decrease, while our need for certain nutrients increases.

Vegetarian diets remain a healthy option, but they may require more careful planning and possibly supplements to ensure that nutritional needs are met, especially in old age.

Ultimately, the body's nutritional needs at age 90 differ from those at age 50, and dietary guidelines should reflect these differences across life stages. What suits a person at one stage may need to be adjusted later, and this is perfectly normal.