These days we often hear it discouraged—but researchers in China found that folks who ate it "had higher odds of achieving healthy aging."
Following a vegetarian diet can be a boon for your health, even possibly cutting your risk of certain chronic illnesses, according to the Mayo Clinic. Yet a recent study, conducted by nutrition experts and published in the Nature journal npj Aging, suggests that not everyone will experience the same benefits when they cut out meat entirely. Adults over the age of 60 may have different nutritional needs, meaning a more diverse diet could instead help them live longer.
The study, published in April 2025, opens by acknowledging a wide body of established research which shows that vegetarianism—defined as “dietary patterns solely/mostly composed of plant-based food, excluding specific or all animal-derived foods” is often a healthy choice. The study authors wrote that “Several studies have shown that vegetarian diets were associated with lower risks of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), obesity, diabetes, and cancer in young and middle-aged adults,” also acknowledging these diets can help mitigate health concerns such as obesity, high cholesterol, or metabolic syndrome.
But the team of nutritional researchers from China’s Fudan University especially wanted to investigate the link between vegetarian diets and aging adults, citing that “Few studies have examined the potential health outcomes of vegetarian diets in older adults—a vulnerable group at risk of malnutrition when following a strict vegetarian diet due to the potential inadequate intakes of protein, vitamin B12, calcium, iron, and essential omega-3 fatty acids.”
Utilizing data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, the study reviewed information from nearly 2,900 Chinese older adults who were considered to be healthy. Participants’ diets were categorized four ways:
- vegan (avoiding any animal products, including eggs, seafood, or dairy)
- ovo-vegetarian (vegetarian plus the inclusion of eggs)
- pesco-vegetarian (vegetarian plus the inclusion of fish and seafood)
- omnivorous (eating both plant- and animal-based products)
After an average follow-up period of six years, “Individuals who maintained omnivorous diets from age 60 years had higher odds of achieving healthy aging” versus those who “consistently” followed vegetarian eating patterns. When the team further analyzed the health data of those who survived to age 80, omnivorous eaters were more likely than vegetarians to avoid major chronic disease, physical function impairment, and cognitive impairment.
“Given age-related physiological changes in digestive and metabolic systems” in aging adults, the study specifically flagged the potential for muscle loss and bone fracture for those adhering to vegetarian diets. Another interesting discovery: older adults following a vegan diet were “most strongly associated with adverse effects on healthy aging,” which the text attributes to an increased risk of protein deficiency.
While the takeaway is not necessarily to load your plate up with meat—particularly types that overly processed—these findings underscore the unique nutritional needs that many seniors develop over time. It’s best to talk to your doctor or nutritionist to find the right balance on your own plate—with the goal of living healthy and longer.
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