Older adults who avoid meat may be somewhat less likely to reach age 100-but only under specific circumstances-according to findings from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. This large, nationally representative project followed more than 5,000 Chinese adults aged 80 and older from 1998 to 2018 to identify factors associated with exceptional longevity.
Researchers observed that participants who did not consume meat were less likely to become centenarians compared with those who did. However, this association was present only among underweight individuals.
The findings, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, should not be interpreted as evidence that plant-based diets are harmful. Extensive research in younger and middle-aged populations has consistently linked vegetarian and plant-forward eating patterns to lower risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. These benefits are typically attributed to higher fiber intake, lower saturated fat consumption, and improved metabolic health. However, nutritional priorities change significantly in advanced age.
After 80, the body undergoes physiological shifts, including reduced appetite, lower energy expenditure, declining muscle mass, and bone density loss. These changes increase the risk of frailty, falls, fractures, and malnutrition. In this stage of life, maintaining adequate body weight and preserving muscle strength often become more important than long-term chronic disease prevention.
Importantly, the study found no reduced likelihood of reaching 100 among older adults of healthy weight who avoided meat. Additionally, individuals who consumed fish, eggs, or dairy products did not show a lower probability of exceptional longevity. These animal-source foods provide high-quality protein and key nutrients such as vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, and essential amino acids that support muscle and bone health.
Because the study was observational, it cannot establish cause and effect. Still, it highlights that dietary needs evolve with age. In very old, underweight adults, ensuring sufficient protein and nutrient intake may play a critical role in supporting healthy longevity.
REFERENCE: Yaqi Li, Kaiyue Wang, Yuebin Lv, Guliyeerke Jigeer, Yilun Huang, Xiuhua Shen, Xiaoming Shi, Xiang Gao. Vegetarian diet and likelihood of becoming centenarians in Chinese adults aged 80 y or older: a nested case-control study. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2026; 123 (2): 101136 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2025.101136
Older Vegetarians Show Reduced Chances of Living to 100, Research Suggests
