For those aiming to live to a ripe old age, the choice between a plant-based plate and one that includes meat has become a significant question. New scientific research now suggests that including animal products in your diet could be a crucial factor in reaching the milestone age of 100.
The Longevity Gap: Plant-Based Diets vs. Omnivores
A major study conducted in China has delivered surprising findings about diet and extreme longevity. The research, which analysed data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, followed 5,203 participants who were all aged 80 or older when the study began in 1998. Of this group, 1,495 individuals lived to be 100, while 3,744 passed away before reaching centenarian status.
After using statistical tools to account for lifestyle factors like exercise and smoking, the researchers uncovered a clear trend. Participants who completely avoided meat were 19 per cent less likely to become centenarians compared to omnivores. The difference was even more striking for vegans, whose odds of living to 100 were a staggering 29 per cent lower.
Even less restrictive diets showed a disadvantage. Vegetarians, who consume eggs and dairy, had a 14 per cent lower chance of hitting the century mark. Notably, even pescetarian diets that include fish were linked with reduced odds of extreme longevity.
Why Might Meat Support Survival in the Very Old?
The study's authors, led by Dr Xiang Gao of Fudan University, propose a compelling explanation. They suggest that the oldest adults may have higher nutrient requirements that are more challenging to meet with a strictly plant-based regimen. This is particularly critical for individuals who are underweight.
"Our study suggests that in adults aged 80 years and older, a diet including both plant and animal-derived foods may better support survival to 100 years than a strictly vegetarian pattern, especially for those who are underweight," Dr Gao stated.
The data strongly supported this. For participants classified as underweight, daily consumption of meat was associated with a 44 per cent higher likelihood of reaching 100. The findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Nuanced Findings and the Vital Role of Vegetables
It is crucial to understand that the research does not advocate for a purely carnivorous diet. In fact, the analysis highlighted the profound importance of plant foods. Daily vegetable consumption had the single biggest positive impact, making participants over 84 per cent more likely to live to 100 compared to those who did not eat vegetables daily.
Furthermore, the effect of diet was not uniform across all older adults. For vegetarians who maintained a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) for their age, the likelihood of becoming a centenarian was no different from that of meat eaters. Diet also showed no statistically significant impact on survival odds for overweight participants.
The researchers caution that while reducing meat intake has known health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular outcomes, for some in the oldest age groups, the risks of potential nutrient deficiencies might outweigh these positives. Previous studies have linked vegetarian diets to a higher prevalence of conditions like stroke and depression.
The overarching conclusion champions balance. The authors write: "Our findings emphasised the importance of a balanced diet from both animal- and plant-derived food for healthy longevity." They call for more research focused on the expanding population of the 'oldest-old' to inform future dietary guidance for healthy ageing.
