As we get older, the risks of fractures and cardiovascular disease rise dramatically.
It’s no secret that aging often comes with increased health concerns, but a groundbreaking study now shows that prevention may be simpler than most people think.
Nearly 3,000 adults around the age of 65 were followed over a 20-year period by researchers at the University of Southampton.
Throughout the study, participants’ diet and lifestyle habits were carefully tracked through questionnaires, medical records, and regular checkups.
The researchers wanted to understand what factors could help protect against two of the most serious health risks in older age: bone fractures and heart disease-related deaths.
A clear pattern emerges
The results revealed one common factor among those who stayed healthier: their eating habits.
Those who followed what researchers call a “prudent” diet were less likely to suffer from hip fractures or die from heart disease.
So, what exactly is a “prudent” diet?
According to the study, it involves eating lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and oily fish, while limiting white bread, sugar, chips, and full-fat dairy products.
In short, it’s a relatively simple shift that most people can implement with just a bit of effort.
Interestingly, it wasn’t high calcium intake alone that made the difference.
While dietary calcium didn’t seem to reduce the risk of fractures, it was linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality.
More than just food
The study also showed that participants who ate healthier tended to have other good habits: they exercised more, smoked less, and generally lived more active lifestyles.
That raises a big question – was it really the food alone, or the overall healthier lifestyle that made the difference?
Experts who weren’t involved in the study emphasize that while the findings are important, they only show a correlation, not a cause.
Even so, combining nutritious foods with regular physical activity appears to be a powerful way to age well and reduce serious health risks.
This article is based on information from Medical News Today.