New research suggests that for those dreaming of becoming a centenarian, a strictly plant-based diet might not be the optimal path. A significant study from China indicates that individuals who include meat in their diets have a notably higher chance of reaching the milestone age of 100 compared to those who avoid animal products.
The Longevity Gap: Plant-Based vs Omnivorous Diets
Scientists analysed data from 5,203 participants in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, all of whom were aged 80 or older when the study began in 1998. The researchers, led by Dr Xiang Gao of Fudan University, tracked this cohort to see who lived to celebrate their 100th birthday.
The results were striking. Of the participants, 1,495 lived to be 100, while 3,744 died before reaching that age. After using statistical tools to account for factors like exercise and smoking habits, a clear pattern emerged linked to diet.
People who excluded meat from their diet were 19 per cent less likely to become centenarians compared to omnivores. The trend was most severe among vegans, who faced a staggering 29 per cent reduction in their odds of hitting 100. Vegetarians, who consume eggs and dairy, fared slightly better but still had a 14 per cent lower likelihood than meat eaters.
Nutrient Needs in Advanced Age
The study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, proposes that these dramatic differences may stem from the heightened nutritional requirements of the very old. The researchers suggest that older people may need more nutrients than a strictly vegetarian diet can reliably provide, particularly if they are underweight.
Dr Gao explains the core finding: '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.'
This nuance is critical. The research found that diet did not affect every older person uniformly. For participants with a healthy BMI, being vegetarian did not lower their chances of longevity. Similarly, for overweight individuals, diet had no statistically significant impact on survival odds.
However, for those in the underweight group, daily meat consumption was linked to a 44 per cent higher likelihood of reaching 100. This highlights the potential risks of nutrient deficiency in vulnerable elderly populations.
The Vital Role of Vegetables and a Balanced Plate
While the study highlights the potential longevity benefits of including animal products, it does not advocate for a carnivore diet. In fact, the analysis identified one food group with an overwhelmingly positive association with extreme longevity: vegetables.
Participants who ate vegetables every day were over 84 per cent more likely to live to 100 than those who did not. This underscores that the secret to a long life isn't simply eating meat, but rather consuming a nutritionally balanced diet.
The authors conclude: 'Our findings emphasised the importance of a balanced diet from both animal- and plant-derived food for healthy longevity.' They call for more research to formulate specific dietary guidance for the growing population of the 'oldest-old' in our ageing society.
This research adds a new layer to the conversation on diet and health in later life, suggesting that while plant-based diets offer known cardiovascular benefits, ensuring adequate nutrient intake for those over 80 is paramount for achieving exceptional longevity.
