A diet rich in fish, fruits, and vegetables, while low in sugar and sodium, may help explain the longevity of centenarians' children, according to a new study. Researchers at Tufts University have conducted the first comprehensive analysis of the dietary habits of centenarians' offspring, who share their parents' longevity genes and many life environments.
Study Background
With more people living to 100 years old than in previous generations, scientists are keen to uncover the secrets of their longevity. Genetics accounts for about 50% of the variability in age at death, but factors like nutrition also play a crucial role. The new study, published in the journal Science, sought patterns in the offspring of centenarians that could benefit everyone, regardless of genetic background.
"Nutrition is an impactful, non-genetic factor that is under someone's control that could influence how long they live and how long they live a healthy life," said Erfei Zhao, the study's lead author.
Two Decades of Data
Researchers began interviewing centenarians' offspring at Boston University in 2005, when the adult children were in their 70s. The ongoing research now includes 20 years of data, with many participants now in their 90s. "Having now followed the offspring of centenarians for 20 years, we know that, as a group, they have experienced significantly lower risks of stroke, dementia, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease," said co-author Paola Sebastiani.
Key Dietary Differences
The findings reveal that the offspring of long-lived parents consume diets better suited for metabolic, heart, and brain health. Compared to people whose parents did not live as long, centenarians' offspring eat higher amounts of fish, fruits, and vegetables, and consume less sugar and substantially less sodium. "These elements may represent behavioural pathways that complement or amplify inherited biological resilience," the researchers noted.
Dr. Zhao explained, "It isn't just one food and it isn't just nutrition and 'eating healthy' alone that will help someone reach that 100-year-old milestone. It is a variety of environmental and genetic factors that we are just beginning to tease out."
Practical Recommendations
Researchers emphasize the need to educate people across all socioeconomic levels to eat more whole grains and incorporate more beans, tofu, and other legumes into their diets. "We also need to find ways to make it more affordable and convenient for people to eat more fruits and vegetables, fish, and other healthier foods," said co-author Andres Ardisson Korat.
The ultimate goal, according to Dr. Sebastiani, is not just to help people live longer but to help them be healthier as they age. "I believe this study in the years ahead, plus other research we are doing, will help us reach that goal for more people, no matter what is in their genes."
