Scientists at Tufts University conducted the first comprehensive study of the eating habits of children of . The team began surveying the children of 100-year-old parents back in 2005 at Boston University, when those parents were around 70. That means researchers have followed the participants for more than 20 years. Many of the participants are now approaching or over 90 years old.
Compared with people whose parents did not reach 100, the descendants of centenarians ate more fish, fruits, and vegetables. They also consumed less sugar and substantially less salt, which can matter for heart health, metabolism, and brain health.
“ is an important non‑genetic factor that a person can control and that can influence lifespan and the period of healthy aging,” said Erfei Zhao, the study’s lead author.
Genes Aren’t Everything
The researchers remind readers that genetics explains about 50% of the differences in . Other factors — including diet — also play a major role. The results show that certain behavioral habits can complement or amplify inherited biological resilience.
“It’s not just food and it’s not just the idea of ‘healthy eating,’” Dr. Zhao explains. “It’s a combination of genetic and environmental factors that we are only beginning to untangle.”
Co‑author Paola Sebastiani says that over 20 years of follow‑up, the descendants of centenarians as a group had significantly lower risks of stroke, dementia, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
What to Eat for a Longer, Healthier Life
- Eat more whole grains and legumes (beans, chickpeas, peas, tofu).
- Make fruits, vegetables, fish, and other healthy foods part of your daily meals.
“Our goal is not just to help people live longer, but to help them stay healthy as they age,” adds Dr. Sebastiani. She hopes the findings from this and other studies will make healthy aging more achievable regardless of a person’s genes.
If you’re aiming for a long, active life, these conclusions point to simple but powerful steps: eat more fish, eat more vegetables and fruits, cut back on added sugar, and use less salt. These steps won’t guarantee a century, but they offer an accessible way to improve the odds of healthy aging.
With material from The Independent
