Nutrition And Longevity: Perspectives on Diverse Dietary Patterns for Healthy Aging
Özet
Introduction
The last century has witnessed a series of developments and a demographic transition process that has led to a remarkable increase in human life expectancy. While increased life expectancy refers to people living longer, it can also increase the number of years lived with a disease burden. Indeed, as a major consequence of the aging world population, growing healthspan-lifespan gaps—which have reached a global mean of 9.6 years (Garmany & Terzic, 2024)—and, in relation to this, an increase in the years lived with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and, ultimately, increased global burden of diseases are creating significant concerns regarding the sustainability of health systems (Permanyer et al., 2021; Vaupel et al., 2021). Longevity, which refers to extending lifespan and enhancing the quality of those additional years, is increasingly recognized as a critical goal in aging research (Gems et al., 2025; Olshansky, 2022). Nutrition plays a fundamental role in promoting longevity by supporting metabolic health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and preserving functional capacity throughout life. Therefore, integrating dietary patterns that emphasize nutrient-dense and bioactive-rich foods is essential for achieving healthy longevity (Dai, 2025; McDonald & Ruhe, 2011). Accordingly, the focus of global health strategies is shifting from merely increasing chronological lifespan to understanding longevity that encompasses a healthy aging process—with preserved functional capacity—and is integrated with quality of life (QoL) (Permanyer et al., 2021; Vaupel et al., 2021; WHO, 2020).
The World Health Organization defines healthy aging as the process of developing and maintaining functional capacity that enables well-being in old age (WHO, 2020). To achieve this, preserving functional capacity remains fundamental, ensuring that older individuals can maintain their self-care, participate in daily life, and maintain mobility and socialization (Sames, 2020; Urtamo et al., 2019). In this context, the priority of focusing on lifestyle factors, including nutrition, to reduce the increasing financial and social burden on health systems is steadily increasing. The role of nutrition and healthy dietary patterns in maintaining this functional capacity is well characterized, contributing to physical health, cognitive function, and overall well-being in older adults by delaying or preventing NCDs (Bojang & Manchana, 2023; Tessier et al., 2025).
Unhealthy dietary patterns currently represent one of the most significant drivers of the global burden of disease, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) (Junqueira & Pinto, 2023; Struijk et al., 2014). Many studies emphasize that foods rich in bioactive components, such as antioxidants, fiber, and polyphenols, mitigate oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging), which are fundamental aging mechanisms (González-Ballesteros et al., 2026; Junqueira & Pinto, 2023; Struijk et al., 2014). Furthermore, the literature highlights the pivotal role of adequate and high-quality dietary protein in preventing sarcopenia and frailty, conditions that directly threaten functional independence in later life (Rogeri et al., 2021; Şimşek & Uçar, 2022). Consequently, within the 'food as medicine' framework, informed nutritional choices support cellular repair and metabolic homeostasis, thereby contributing to the maintenance of a healthy aging phenotype (Dai et al., 2024; Greenway, 2020).
Dietary patterns encompass the habitual consumption of foods and beverages, which may be influenced by cultural or traditional backgrounds or aligned with an evidence-based framework (Booth et al., 2025; Dietary Guidelines for Americans Advisory Committee, 2025). Understanding the effects of different dietary patterns on healthy aging is a key approach to improving QoL in the aging population (Milte & McNaughton, 2016). Various dietary patterns, some of which are cultural or traditional and others evidence-based, such as the Mediterranean Diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, and healthy plant-based diets, show promise in reducing the risk of age-related diseases and improving overall health status. This section aims to highlight the roles of various dietary patterns in preserving physical, cognitive, and psychological functions in older age and healthy aging.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Dietary pattern, Healthy aging, Longevity
Konu Alanı: Biyoloji -> Biyoloji (diğer) -> Beslenme
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