Can Meat Help Women Live to 100? Study

Consuming a balanced diet might be a key factor in healthy ageing, and new research from China has sparked fresh questions about the possibility of eating meat to reach 100 years of age. The results indicate that those over the age of 50 who consume both animal and plant protein might be better off than those who are vegetarian. But the findings must be taken with a pinch of salt – for they do not indicate that consuming meat actually extends lifespan.

What did the study find?

In the study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers looked at the associations between vegetarianism and the risk of living to be a centenarian (somebody alive for 100 years or more).

The researchers analysed data from 5,203 elderly adults (aged 80 years and older) from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. The group consisted of 1,459 people who reached 100 years and 3,744 who died before 100 years of age.

The researchers compared those who consumed both plants and animals with vegetarians, which included those who consumed eggs and/or dairy products.

The findings revealed that vegetarian women had 19% fewer chances of surviving to 100 years than women who consumed both plant and animal food. The odds of vegans were 29% lower. But the study didn’t reveal any significant difference for those who consumed fish or eggs and milk products.

The results indicate that there may be a connection between diet and remarkable longevity, but not a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

Why were women a key part of the research?

Of those who participated in the study, 61.5% were women. The results have been significant because women make up a large percentage of those who live to an extreme age.

The findings, however, should not be viewed as evidence that all women who consume meat will be more likely to live to 100. The study looked at 80+ adults in China, and may not be the same for younger adults or other countries.

Body weight may also matter

One important finding concerned body weight. The lower likelihood of reaching 100 among vegetarians was statistically significant among participants who were underweight, with a body mass index (BMI) below 18.5.

For participants with a BMI of 18.5 or above, the difference was not statistically significant. This suggests that maintaining adequate nutrition may be especially important for older adults who are underweight.

Does this mean eating meat helps you live longer?

Not necessarily. The study shows an association, not proof that meat itself extends life. Other factors, including overall diet quality, health conditions and lifestyle, may influence longevity.

For readers, the key message is to focus on a balanced diet that provides enough energy, protein, vitamins and minerals. Meat can be one source of protein, but beans, lentils, nuts, dairy products and other foods can also help meet nutritional needs.

Ultimately, no single food guarantees a longer life. More research is needed to understand how diet affects the chances of reaching 100.