Caffeinated coffee—but not other caffeinated products or decaf—has been linked to healthier aging outcomes, according to a large-scale, long-term study involving nearly 50,000 women over a span of 30 years. The research found that increased coffee consumption during midlife was associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, physical limitations, and cognitive decline in later years.
Caffeine in Midlife and Healthy Aging
As reported by New Atlas, researchers from Harvard University examined the relationship between caffeine intake during midlife and its contribution to healthy aging in women. They analyzed health data from 47,513 participants in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS), starting in 1984, with follow-ups every four years for three decades.
Dr. Sara Mahdavi from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health noted that the study had “several key strengths,” including its large sample size, extended follow-up period, and comprehensive evaluation of various aging dimensions. The research also accounted for detailed dietary and lifestyle information collected throughout the study.
Defining “Healthy Aging”
The term “healthy aging” in this study referred to reaching age 70 or older without any of 11 major chronic diseases, physical limitations, or cognitive or mental health issues. Participants who met these criteria, based on responses from 2014 and 2016, were classified as healthy older adults.
315 mg of Caffeine Per Day
By 2016, 3,706 women had met the criteria for healthy aging. When these women were between the ages of 45 and 60, they consumed an average of about 315 mg of caffeine daily—the equivalent of approximately three small cups of coffee at the time, or around one and a half large cups by 2025 standards. Notably, over 80% of their caffeine intake came from coffee.
Notable Health Improvements
This group of higher coffee consumers showed significantly better health outcomes. Researchers found that every additional 80 mg of caffeine—roughly one cup (340 ml) of coffee—was linked to a 2–5% improvement in health indicators, even after accounting for other factors such as smoking. The health benefits increased with each additional cup, peaking around five small cups (or 2.5 large cups) daily.
Only Coffee, Not Other Caffeinated Products
Importantly, the study showed that these benefits were unique to caffeinated coffee. Neither decaffeinated coffee nor other caffeine-containing products showed the same association with healthy aging.
Dr. Mahdavi explained, “While previous studies have linked coffee to individual health outcomes, this is the first to assess coffee’s impact on multiple aspects of aging over three decades.” She emphasized that the results suggest caffeinated coffee—unlike tea or decaf—may uniquely support aging processes that maintain both mental and physical function.
Pathways and Preventive Potential
Researchers now plan to explore how the various compounds in coffee might influence biological pathways involved in aging. According to Dr. Mahdavi, these preliminary findings suggest that “small, consistent habits can shape long-term health.” Moderate coffee consumption, when combined with healthy lifestyle practices such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking, may offer protective health benefits.
Final Thoughts
While this study adds weight to the growing body of evidence linking coffee to positive aging outcomes, researchers caution that the benefits remain modest compared to the broader influence of an overall healthy lifestyle. Continued research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and refine health recommendations.
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