A recent study suggests that vegetarians may be less likely to reach the age of 100 than meat-eaters. However, before you swap your salads for steaks, it’s important to take a closer look at the nuances behind the data.
This revelation came under the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Over 5,000 Chinese people above the age of 80 participated in the study.
These results contradict a massive body of research that links plant-based diets to better health outcomes. By providing more fibre and less saturated fat, vegetarian diets have proven effective in lowering the risks of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
What's with the new study, then?
One of the main focuses of the study was the age. Only those 80 and above took part, and the analysis revealed that as you age, the body needs to change. The nutritional needs of an 80-year-old are different from those of a 20-year-old or a 30-year-old.
As you age, the physiological changes alter both how you eat and what nutrients you need. Energy, muscle mass, bone density and appetite often decline. This, in turn, increases the risk of malnutrition and frailty.
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The vast majority of evidence supporting meat-free diets is derived from studies on younger populations, rather than the frail elderly. Emerging research indicates that for older adults, the absence of meat may correlate with an increased risk of bone fractures—often the result of insufficient protein and calcium intake.
As one ages, rather than focusing on preventing long-term diseases, the goal becomes maintaining muscle mass, preventing weight loss and ensuring nutrient intakes.
Rather than disproving the value of plant-based diets, this study reflects how nutritional needs change as we age. The established benefits for younger adults still stand. Furthermore, the data show that skipping meat only affected the longevity of underweight participants; for older adults at a healthy weight, there was no difference in the likelihood of reaching age 100.
The researchers point out that it was only an observational study, which shows associations rather than cause and effect.
The findings also align with the so-called "obesity paradox" in ageing, where a slightly higher body weight is often linked to better survival in later life.
While plant-based diets offer many benefits, older adults must be vigilant about getting enough protein, B12, and calcium to prevent muscle wasting. The priority in later years often moves from managing long-term risks to simply maintaining a healthy weight and proper nutrition. With careful planning and strategic supplementation, a vegetarian lifestyle can remain a healthy choice throughout a person's senior years