Diet strategies for promoting healthy aging and longevity : An epidemiological perspective

© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Internal Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Association for Publication of The Journal of Internal Medicine..

In recent decades, global life expectancies have risen significantly, accompanied by a marked increase in chronic diseases and population aging. This narrative review aims to summarize recent findings on the dietary factors influencing chronic diseases and longevity, primarily from large cohort studies. First, maintaining a healthy weight throughout life is pivotal for healthy aging and longevity, mirroring the benefits of lifelong, moderate calorie restriction in today's obesogenic food environment. Second, the specific types or food sources of dietary fat, protein, and carbohydrates are more important in influencing chronic disease risk and mortality than their quantity. Third, some traditional diets (e.g., the Mediterranean, Nordic, and Okinawa) and contemporary dietary patterns, such as healthy plant-based diet index, the DASH (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) diet, and alternate healthy eating index, have been associated with lower mortality and healthy longevity. These patterns share many common components (e.g., a predominance of nutrient-rich plant foods; limited red and processed meats; culinary herbs and spices prevalent in global cuisines) while embracing distinct elements from different cultures. Fourth, combining a healthy diet with other lifestyle factors could extend disease-free life expectancies by 8-10 years. While adhering to core principles of healthy diets, it is crucial to adapt dietary recommendations to individual preferences and cultures as well as nutritional needs of aging populations. Public health strategies should aim to create a healthier food environment where nutritious options are readily accessible, especially in public institutions and care facilities for the elderly. Although further mechanistic studies and human trials are needed to better understand molecular effects of diet on aging, there is a pressing need to establish and maintain long-term cohorts studying diet and aging in culturally diverse populations.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2024

Erschienen:

2024

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:295

Enthalten in:

Journal of internal medicine - 295(2024), 4 vom: 02. März, Seite 508-531

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

Hu, Frank B [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

Aging
Cardiovascular risk factors
Diet
Epidemiology
Journal Article
Nutrition
Physiology
Review

Anmerkungen:

Date Completed 15.03.2024

Date Revised 16.03.2024

published: Print-Electronic

Citation Status MEDLINE

doi:

10.1111/joim.13728

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM363597069