Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Add Years of Life in Elderly

A Mediterranean diet is one rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, whole grains, and fats such as olive oil. The diet is moderate in red meat and dairy products. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association investigated the single and combined effect of Mediterranean diet, being physically active, moderate alcohol use, and nonsmoking on causes of death in elderly European men and women. During a ten-year follow-up, deaths from coronary heart disease, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and overall mortality were analyzed. In this study, the combination of healthy diet and lifestyle led to a 65% reduction in the overall death rate and more than 50% reductions in deaths caused by coronary heart disease, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Adherence to a Mediterranean style diet, coupled with a few healthy lifestyle habits, can add years of life even among individuals aged 70 to 90 years.

JAMA. 2004 Sep 22;292(12):1433-9.