vegetarianism or carnivore; Which diet is best to reach 100 years old? / A study on more than 5 thousand Chinese elderly

Does meat consumption increase the probability of reaching 100 years old? By examining thousands of elderly people, scientists have reached results that highlight the role of weight and nutrition.

Sefir Arjan - Reaching 100 years old depends on various factors including genetics, lifestyle and nutrition. While plant-based diets have received attention for their benefits for heart health and reduced risk of certain chronic diseases, new research suggests that in the elderly, the relationship between vegetarianism and longevity may be more complex than we think.

In a large study of people aged 80 and over in China, researchers found that women who ate meat were more likely to live to be 100 than vegetarian women. However, this difference was mainly seen in the elderly who were underweight; A topic that highlights the importance of getting enough energy and nutrients in old age.

A study on more than 5 thousand Chinese elderly

This research was conducted using data from the "Chinese Elderly Health and Life Longitudinal Study" (CLHLS); One of the extensive studies in the field of elderly health.

Researchers from Fudan University, China Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Shanghai Jiaotong University analyzed data from 5,203 people. Among these people, 1459 people had reached 100 years old and 3744 people were in the group of 80 and 90 year olds who had not yet reached this age.

The results showed that there is a relationship between meat consumption and the probability of reaching 100 years old in women, but no such significant relationship was found in men. The most important thing is that this difference was not seen in all people and body weight status played a significant role in the results.

Why is weight loss important in old age?

According to the research findings, the relationship between vegetarianism and a lower probability of reaching 100 years old was mainly limited to the elderly whose body mass index (BMI) was lower than the normal range.

In this group, daily meat consumption was associated with a 44 percent greater likelihood of reaching 100 years of age, compared to a vegetarian diet. This relationship was not observed in people with normal weight or overweight.

Of course, this number does not mean a definite 44% increase in life expectancy due to meat consumption. The research is observational and only shows the relationship between food pattern and reaching the age of 100 years; Therefore, it cannot be concluded that meat alone was the reason for increasing life span.

In old age, decreased appetite, chewing problems, and changing nutritional needs can make it difficult to get energy and nutrients. For this reason, it is very important to maintain a proper weight and prevent malnutrition. The researchers also point out that the role of body mass index in the lifespan of the elderly needs further investigation.

Are vegetarians at greater risk?

The results of this study do not mean that a vegetarian diet is harmful for all elderly people. In fact, the researchers found that people who did not eat meat but had fish, dairy or eggs in their diet did not show a significant difference in the probability of reaching 100 years old compared to meat eaters.

This finding suggests that adequate intake of energy, protein and other nutrients may be more important than the overall diet label. A well-planned vegetarian diet can meet nutritional needs; However, underweight seniors or people with poor appetites may need extra attention to getting calories, protein, and some micronutrients.

Some previous studies have also raised the possibility of increasing the risk of fractures in vegetarians; An issue that may be related to insufficient intake of calcium and protein. Of course, the evidence in this field is not uniform and this risk cannot be generalized to all vegetarians.

Protein and longevity; There are still many unanswered questions

Protein is necessary to maintain muscles and normal body function, and with age, preventing muscle wasting becomes more important. However, the appropriate amount of protein for healthy aging is still a topic of debate among researchers.

Some studies emphasize the importance of getting enough protein to maintain muscle strength and prevent weakness. On the other hand, some other researches have raised the possibility that the intake of less protein in certain conditions can affect the processes related to aging. However, it cannot be concluded from these findings that protein reduction is beneficial for all elderly people.

On the other hand, the type of meat is also important. Moderate consumption of unprocessed red meat is not the same as frequent consumption of processed meats. Processed meats and high consumption of red meat are associated with some adverse health outcomes; For this reason, dietary diversity and limiting the consumption of processed meats are still important nutritional recommendations.

What should we eat to reach 100 years old?

The new research doesn't offer a single dietary prescription for reaching 100, but it does highlight an important point: The nutritional needs of the elderly may differ from those of younger people.

A varied diet including vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts and adequate sources of protein can help provide the body with the nutrients it needs. Depending on the individual's conditions, eggs, dairy products, fish or meat can also be part of this food pattern.

Finally, body weight, muscle condition, underlying diseases, level of physical activity and overall quality of diet all play a role in health in old age. Hence, it is not possible to guarantee reaching 100 years by just removing or adding one food item.

This study, the results of which were published in the scientific publication The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, emphasizes the importance of a more detailed examination of the nutritional needs of the elderly. The main message of the research is not that all seniors should eat meat, but it shows that providing adequate energy and nutrients, especially in underweight individuals, can be an important part of the path to healthy aging.