Healthy eating patterns may slow aging-related chronic diseases in older adults

Recent research underscores the significant impact of dietary habits on the health of aging populations, highlighting strategies to mitigate chronic illnesses such as heart disease, dementia, and diabetes. A comprehensive study conducted by scientists at Karolinska Institutet analyzed how different eating patterns influence disease progression in older adults. Participants adhering to healthier diets—rich in vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats—experienced a slower development of chronic conditions over time. Conversely, diets high in red meats, processed foods, and sugary drinks were linked to an increased risk of multiple health issues. The study, published in Nature Aging, tracked over 2,400 individuals with an average age of 71.5 years, utilizing data from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K). Researchers categorized dietary patterns into four groups: the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND), the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), the Alternative Mediterranean diet (AMED), and the Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Index (EDII). The first three are considered health-promoting, while EDII reflects an in...