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

Abstract

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.

Development and Validation of the Meiji Nutritional Profiling System (Meiji NPS) to Address Dietary Needs of Adults and Older Adults in Japan

“…Health and nutritional issues vary based on regions, lifestyles, and life stages [20]. Among specific health issues identified for Japan are malnutrition, which manifests as underweight or excessive thinness among young women, as well as overweight [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32]. Frailty among older adults is a particularly serious issue in Japan, which has one of the largest aging populations in the world [6,33,34].…”

Exercise-Drug Interaction in Blood Sugar Regulation: Insights from α-Glucosidase Inhibitors and Postprandial Exercise

“…The global population of people aged 65 and over is expected to increase from 10% to 16% in 2050, presenting a challenge [1]. While global life expectancy has increased markedly, there has also been a significant rise in chronic illnesses and population aging [2]. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for 74% of global deaths annually, with cardiovascular disease being the primary cause of death from NCDs, followed by cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes [3].…”

Microbiome-based correction for random errors in nutrient profiles derived from self-reported dietary assessments

“…An unhealthy diet can increase the risk of many diseases 1,2,3,4 . For instance, excess intake of sugar or saturated fat could elevate the risk of coronary heart disease [5][6][7][8] .…”