Following a diet rich in fruits and vegetables but very low in processed food and red meat raises the chances of being healthy at age 70, a study found. Getty Images
A 30-year study found that a healthy diet in midlife increased the likelihood of healthy aging.
March 24, 2025, 6:17 PM EDT By Aria Bendix
Following a healthy diet — one primarily plant-based, with minimal ultra-processed food and low to moderate amounts of animal-based foods like fish and dairy — can raise the chances of reaching age 70 without developing a chronic disease, according to a new study.
The research, published Monday in the journal Nature Medicine, analyzed the diets of more than 105,000 people in midlife and found that by 70, less than 10% had achieved “healthy aging,” meaning their memories were intact, they hadn’t developed depression or a major chronic condition, and they could perform basic physical tasks like climbing stairs or carrying groceries.
Eating healthy, the analysis showed, increased participants’ likelihood of reaching that milestone. That held true for eight specific diets evaluated, including the Mediterranean diet and strictly plant-based regimens, as well as diets designed to lower inflammation or blood pressure.
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