The Effect of Exclusive Olive Oil Consumption on Successful Aging: A Combined Analysis of the ATTICA and MEDIS Epidemiological Studies

Resveratrol and Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Protective Agents Against Age-Related Disease

Resveratrol and extra virgin olive oil are both recognized for their potential protective effects against age-related diseases. This overview highlights their mechanisms of action, health benefits, and the scientific evidence supporting their roles in promoting longevity and cognitive health. A literature search was conducted. Important findings related to the health benefits, mechanisms of action, and clinical implications of resveratrol and EVOO were summarized. Both resveratrol and EVOO have complementary mechanisms that may enhance their anti-aging effects. Resveratrol and EVOO are promising age-related disease-protective agents. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties contribute to improved health outcomes and longevity. Incorporating these compounds into a balanced diet may offer significant benefits for aging populations, supporting cognitive health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Continued research is essential to fully understand their mechanisms and optimize their use in clinical settings. Future research should focus on investigating the synergistic effects of resveratrol and EVOO when consumed together, as they may enhance each other's bioavailability and efficacy in promoting health; conducting extensive clinical trials to confirm the long-term benefits of these compounds in various populations, particularly in aging individuals; further exploring the molecular pathways through which resveratrol and EVOO exert their effects, including their interactions with gut microbiota and metabolic pathways.

Dietary Habits, Awareness, and Knowledge among Polish Healthcare Providers and Healthcare Students

Background/Objectives: Nutrition plays a significant role in preventive medicine, as up to 80% of chronic diseases could be avoided by adhering to healthy dietary principles. The aim of our study was to identify dietary habits, awareness, and nutrition knowledge in a random sample of Polish healthcare students and professionals. Methods: Initially, a total screened sample consisted of 1287 respondents, yet the actual response/participation rate was 634/1287. A validated questionnaire for the Polish population, the Dietary Habits and Nutrition Beliefs Questionnaire (KomPAN), was used for the assessment. Results: The majority of respondents were females (84.2% of medical students and 87.2% of healthcare professionals), current non-smokers (79.6% of medical students and 85.2% of healthcare professionals), and had a normal waist circumference (76.3% of medical students and 63.1% of healthcare professionals). Both clinical dieticians and students studying clinical dietetics received significantly different scores of dietary indexes (pro-healthy pHDI-10 and non-healthy nHDI-14) vs. respective groups of respondents. Both healthcare students and professionals who self-reported better nutritional knowledge indeed yielded significantly better results in the dietary indexes as well as nutritional knowledge scores. The nutrition knowledge score was positively correlated with pHDI-10 and negatively correlated with nHDI-14, BMI, age, and waist circumference. Conclusions: Our results illustrate lifestyle trends among Polish healthcare students and professionals, and such results should encourage the development of evidence-based dietary policies targeting healthcare providers. High-quality continuing nutrition education should be obligatorily provided to all healthcare providers to enhance their dietary awareness as well as ensure high quality of care and outcomes achieved by the Polish healthcare system.

Influence of Oleacein, an Olive Oil and Olive Mill Wastewater Phenolic Compound, on Caenorhabditis elegans Longevity and Stress Resistance

Oleacein, a bioactive compound of olive oil and olive mill wastewater, has one of the strongest antioxidant activities among olive phenolics. However, few reports explore the in vivo antioxidant activity of oleacein, with no clear identification of the biological pathway involved. Earlier studies have demonstrated a link between stress resistance, such as oxidative stress, and longevity. This study presents the effects of oleacein on Caenorhabditis elegans mean lifespan and stress resistance. A significant lifespan extension was observed with an increase of 20% mean lifespan at 5 µg/mL with a hormetic-like dose-dependent effect. DAF-16 and SIR-2.1 were involved in the effects of oleacein on the longevity of C. elegans, while the DAF-2 receptor was not involved. This study also shows the capacity of oleacein to significantly enhance C. elegans resistance to oxidative and thermal stress and allows a better understanding of the positive effects of olive phenolics on health.

Molecular bases for the use of functional foods in the management of healthy aging: Berries, curcumin, virgin olive oil and honey; three realities and a promise

As the number of older people has grown in recent decades, the search for new approaches to manage or delay aging is also growing. Among the modifiable factors, diet plays a crucial role in healthy aging and in the prevention of age-related diseases. Thus, the interest in the use of foods, which are rich in bioactive compounds such as functional foods with anti-aging effects is a growing market. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms of action of foods considered as functional foods in aging, namely berries, curcumin, and virgin olive oil. Moreover, honey is also analyzed as a food with well-known healthy benefits, but which has not been deeply evaluated from the point of view of aging. The effects of these foods on aging are analyzed from the point of view of molecular mechanisms including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, genomic stability, telomere attrition, cellular senescence, and deregulated nutrient-sensing. A comprehensive study of the scientific literature shows that the aforementioned foods have demonstrated positive effects on certain aspects of aging, which might justify their use as functional foods in elderly. However, more research is needed, especially in humans, designed to understand in depth the mechanisms of action through which they act.

Vascular Ageing: Mechanisms, Risk Factors, and Treatment Strategies

Ageing constitutes the biggest risk factor for poor health and adversely affects the integrity and function of all the cells, tissues, and organs in the human body. Vascular ageing, characterised by vascular stiffness, endothelial dysfunction, increased oxidative stress, chronic low-grade inflammation, and early-stage atherosclerosis, may trigger or exacerbate the development of age-related vascular diseases, which each year contribute to more than 3.8 million deaths in Europe alone and necessitate a better understanding of the mechanisms involved. To this end, a large number of recent preclinical and clinical studies have focused on the exponential accumulation of senescent cells in the vascular system and paid particular attention to the specific roles of senescence-associated secretory phenotype, proteostasis dysfunction, age-mediated modulation of certain microRNA (miRNAs), and the contribution of other major vascular risk factors, notably diabetes, hypertension, or smoking, to vascular ageing in the elderly. The data generated paved the way for the development of various senotherapeutic interventions, ranging from the application of synthetic or natural senolytics and senomorphics to attempt to modify lifestyle, control diet, and restrict calorie intake. However, specific guidelines, considering the severity and characteristics of vascular ageing, need to be established before widespread use of these agents. This review briefly discusses the molecular and cellular mechanisms of vascular ageing and summarises the efficacy of widely studied senotherapeutics in the context of vascular ageing.

Substitution Modeling Shows Simple Dietary Changes Increase Mediterranean-Style Diet Pattern Scores for US Adults

Background

A Mediterranean-style diet pattern (MSDP) is a recommended diet pattern in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Few studies report widespread adherence to the diet, which suggests Americans may benefit from strategies to help them improve alignment to an MSDP.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of isocaloric food substitutions on adherence to an MSDP in US adults.

Methods

Using data from NHANES (2007-2018), alignment to an MSDP was determined by calculation of a Mediterranean diet scoring index appropriate for non-Mediterranean populations (0-100 points for the total score, with higher scores indicating greater adherence). The sample was divided into 2 groups, a high-adherence group (HA) and a non-high-adherence group (nHA), to differentiate food groups to be used for isocaloric food substitution modeling. Substitution modeling via multiple regression analyses determined food selections that have the greatest impact on MSDP scores. Honey was added to the substitutions in recipe form and evaluated for its impact on MSDP scores.

Results

The study consisted of 19,978 adults, ages 25-65, with complete dietary data. The nHA had a lower mean total MSDP score (7.07 ± 0.04 points) compared to the HA (16.45 ± 0.09 points). Increasing olive oil from nonuse to partial use had the greatest impact (>+2 points) for both groups. Other isocaloric substitutions also improved adherence, albeit to a lesser degree, including substituting 1 oz of whole grains for 1 oz of refined grains, 4 oz of fish for 4 oz of red meat, and 4.9 cups of kale for 0.7 cups of starchy or root vegetables. Improved MSDP scores were sustained when honey was added to the substitutions.

Conclusions

Simple dietary substitutions can help a diet more closely align with an MSDP. Adding honey to the simple substitutions may increase palatability without sacrificing nutritional benefits.

The Influence of an Export Manager on Export Marketing Policies: Evidence from Exporting Olive Oil Companies in Crete

Cretan olive oil is known for its premium quality worldwide. In the post pandemic international environment, the rising demand for olive oil due to its health benefits has generated greater competition amongst traditionally non-producer and producer countries. Olive oil exports affect both the financial growth and stability of companies that trade it and the economic prosperity of the Crete prefecture. Various factors can influence a company’s export performance, and of those it is widely agreed that the presence of an export manager yields a positive impact. The aim of this paper is to investigate the influence of an export manager on export marketing policies. The application of the Chi-Square Test (χ2) was judged as the most suitable criterion for the elaboration of the research. The χ2 test showed that there are statistically significant correlations between variables. The findings of the research indicate an exports manager’s influence on promotions abroad and in conducting market research before exporting to a new foreign market. The employment of an export manager and the level of his/her certified knowledge appear to have a positive impact on the export marketing policies of companies that export Cretan olive oil.

Tyrosol and Hydroxytyrosol Determination in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Direct Liquid Electron Ionization-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is one of the main ingredients of the Mediterranean diet. It is claimed as a functional food for its unique content of health-promoting compounds. Tyrosol (Tyr), Hydroxytyrosol (Htyr), and their phenolic derivatives present in EVOO show beneficial properties, and their identification and quantification, both in their free form and after the hydrolysis of more complex precursors, are important to certify its quality. An alternative method for quantifying free and total Tyr and Htyr in EVOO is presented using an LC–MS interface based on electron ionization (EI), called liquid electron ionization (LEI). This method requires neither sample preparation nor chromatography; the sample is diluted and injected. The selectivity and sensitivity were assessed in multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM), obtaining confirmation and quantification in actual samples ranging from 5 to 11 mg/Kg for the free forms and from 32 to 80 mg/Kg for their total amount after hydrolysis. Two MS/MS transitions were acquired for both compounds using the Q/q ratios as confirmatory parameters. Standard addition calibration curves demonstrated optimal linearity and negligible matrix effects, allowing a correct quantification even without expensive and difficult to find labeled internal standards. After several weeks of operation, the system’s repeatability was excellent, with an intraday RSD (%) spanning from five to nine and an interday RSD (%) spanning from 9 to 11.

The Association of Dietary Habits and Lifestyle Characteristics with Successful Aging among Older Greek Origin Individuals Living in France, Canada, and Greece: The Epidemiological Mediterranean Islands Study (MEDIS)

The aim of the present work was to investigate the association of dietary habits and lifestyle characteristics with successful aging among native Greeks and Greeks of Diaspora (Canada and France). During 2005-2019, 2,434 Greek men and women, living in Greece, in France, and in Canada, over 65 years of age were enrolled voluntarily in the study. Anthropometric, clinical and socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habits, and lifestyle parameters were derived through standard procedures, while successful aging was evaluated using the validated Successful Aging Index (SAI, range 0-10). The SAI of the overall sample was 2.8 ± 1.4. Greeks of Diaspora had higher SAI levels compared to their counterparts in Greece (p's < .001). However, there was no difference between Greeks of Canada and these of France (p > .05). Actually, Greeks of Diaspora had almost 1.9 units higher SAI compared to native Greeks (p < .001). Work and financial status, dietary and lifestyle behaviors (i.e., physical activity, smoking habits), and several clinical characteristics (i.e., history of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia) were statistically different between the three groups (all p's < .05). Greeks of Diaspora had higher SAI levels, probably because of their healthier lifestyle practices, which mainly depend on their traditions and cultural background of their homelands and living conditions in the host countries.

Determination of hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol in human urine after intake of extra virgin olive oil produced with an ultrasounds-based technology

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a known source of antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds, useful in the prevention of non-infectious diseases (atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer, and other diseases). In the present study, EVOO obtained using an innovative ultrasounds-based technology was found richer in total polyphenols, hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol, than EVOO obtained using a conventional mechanical technology. The urinary excretion in humans of hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol, after the administration of ultrasounds and mechanical EVOOs, respectively, was assessed and compared. The analytes were determined in urine samples, collected for 24 h, of six healthy people (3 men and 3 women, age 22-70 years and body mass index <30 kg/m²) who ingested 20 g of oil for six consecutive days. A commercial refined olive oil was also used in the study to determine the baseline excretion levels of the two metabolites. High correlation coefficients (≥0.9311) were found between the amounts of the analytes ingested daily with EVOOs and those determined in the 24-h urines. The results clearly indicated that the EVOO obtained with the ultrasound process was characterized by the highest concentration of biophenols which were consequently available in greater quantities after ingestion, indicating that it represents a high-quality product containing high levels of beneficial compounds such as biophenols readily assimilable by the human body.

Evidence supporting beneficial effects of virgin olive oil compared to sunflower and fish oils from the point of view of aging and longevity

Diet plays a central role in aging and in the prevention of age-related diseases. Specifically, dietary lipids have influence on processes like oxidative stress or inflammation. This review summarizes and compares the effects of lifelong feeding on three different fat sources, namely virgin olive oil, sunflower oil or fish oil (which differ in fatty acid profile and minor components content) in the pancreas, liver, alveolar bone and femur of old rats. Also, effects on longevity and causes of death are summarized. Animals fed on virgin olive oil had a lower number of β cells and insulin content in the pancreas, less liver fibrosis, less loss of alveolar bone, and greater bone mass density in the femur. In general, the markers of oxidative damage at the liver, pancreatic, gingival and systemic levels were also lower in animals fed on virgin olive oil compared to those treated with sunflower or fish oil. Finally, although the animals died from similar causes regardless of the experimental group, virgin olive oil increased lifespan compared to sunflower oil. Therefore, it is evidenced the chance to modulate the effects of the physiological aging process by diet and, more specifically, by dietary fat.

Effects of freeze-dried pulp of Eugenia uniflora L. and Opuntia ficus-indica fruits on quality attributes of beef patties enriched with n-3 fatty acids

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of freeze-dried pulps of Eugenia uniflora L. and Opuntia ficus-indica fruits on oxidative stability of n-3-enriched beef patties. Besides, the effect of freeze-dried pulps on cooking yield, color, texture parameters and sensory acceptance of patties was also evaluated. Eugenia uniflora L. (orange-skinned variety) and Opuntia ficus-indica (orange-skinned and red-skinned varieties) fruits were collected, their pulp was lyophilized and incorporated, as a natural source of antioxidant, in beef patties enriched with canola oil as a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Oxidation stability of samples was monitored by measuring thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances during refrigerated storage. Results show that all freeze-dried pulps limited lipid oxidation to an acceptable level during 15 days refrigerated storage, having Opuntia ficus-indica (red-skinned variety) the highest inhibitory activity. Besides, the addition of freeze-dried pulps increased the cooking yield and decreased the hardness of beef patties. Respect to sensorial parameters, patties elaborated with no added freeze-dried fruit pulp and patties elaborated with freeze-dried pulp of Opuntia ficus-indica (red-skinned variety) presented the highest overall acceptance of consumers, remaining as a future task to improve the color and taste of patties elaborated with freeze-dried pulps of Eugenia uniflora L. and Opuntia ficus-indica (orange-skinned variety). This research reveals the effectiveness of studied fruits to reduce lipid oxidation in beef patties. In addition, preliminary information about which sensorial parameters of these products should be improved in futures incorporation of pulps in the manufacture of healthy meat products.

Advancing European nutrition - are pharmacists eligible partners in the process?

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Pharmacists may play an important role in disease prevention through the public education about dietary and lifestyle behaviors, however their expertise is constantly ignored. The study primarily aimed to identify nutrition knowledge and dietary habits among Polish pharmacists.

SUBJECTS

A total sample screened consisted of 1412 respondents, yet 667 (573 females and 94 males) pharmacists finally participated in the study. A validated questionnaire for Polish population, the Dietary Habits and Nutrition Beliefs Questionnaire, was used for the evaluation.

RESULTS

The majority of pharmacists (94%) were current non-smokers with BMI levels below 25 kg/m² (66.5%). Female pharmacists had higher the Pro-Healthy (pHDI-10) score (p < 0.001) and lower the Non-Healthy (nHDI-14) score (p = 0.004) compared to the males. In the self-assessment of nutritional habits, the pHDI-10 was significantly higher in the "very good" group compared to the "poor" (p < 0.001) and the "very poor" (p = 0.015) group, and the "poor group" had higher nHDI-14 when compared to "very good" (p < 0.001) and "good" (p < 0.001) groups. The nutrition knowledge test score was above average in over 72% of respondents, was correlated with the pHDI-10 (r = 0.16), yet the score decreased with age (r = -0.19).

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that our analysis justifies the inevitability to benefit from pharmacists' expertise. Pharmacists with around-the-clock accessibility should be eligible partners, as members of an interdisciplinary team, in the process of advancing population-based nutrition.

Beneficial Effects of a Mixture of Algae and Extra Virgin Olive Oils on the Age-Induced Alterations of Rodent Skeletal Muscle: Role of HDAC-4

Aging is associated with a progressive decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength and function (sarcopenia). We have investigated whether a mixture of algae oil (25%) and extra virgin olive oil (75%) could exert beneficial effects on sarcopenia. Young (3 months) and old (24 months) male Wistar rats were treated with vehicle or with the oil mixture (OM) (2.5 mL/kg) for 21 days. Aging decreased gastrocnemius weight, total protein, and myosin heavy chain mRNA. Treatment with the OM prevented these effects. Concomitantly, OM administration decreased the inflammatory state in muscle; it prevented the increase of pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the decrease in anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (IL-10) in aged rats. The OM was not able to prevent aging-induced alterations in either the insulin-like growth factor I/protein kinase B (IGF-I/Akt) pathway or in the increased expression of atrogenes in the gastrocnemius. However, the OM prevented decreased autophagy activity (ratio protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3b) II/I) induced by aging and increased expression of factors related with muscle senescence such as histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC-4), myogenin, and IGF-I binding protein 5 (IGFBP-5). These data suggest that the beneficial effects of the OM on muscle can be secondary to its anti-inflammatory effect and to the normalization of HDAC-4 and myogenin levels, making this treatment an alternative therapeutic tool for sarcopenia.

Olive Oil: Processing Characterization, and Health Benefits

The Mediterranean diet is now well known worldwide and recognized as a nutrition reference model by the World Health Organization. Virgin olive oil, prepared from healthy and intact fruits of the olive tree only by mechanical means, is a basic ingredient, a real pillar of this diet. Its positive role in health has now been a topic of universal concern. The virtues of natural olive oil, and especially of extra virgin olive oil, are related to the quality of the fruits, the employment of advanced technologies, and the availability of sophisticated analytical techniques that are used to control the origin of the fruits and guarantee the grade of the final product. With the aim of enriching the recent multidisciplinary scientific information that orbits around this healthy lipid source, a new special issue of Foods journal has been published.

Ageing trajectories of health-longitudinal opportunities and synergies (ATHLOS) Healthy Ageing Scale in adults from 16 international cohorts representing 38 countries worldwide

BACKGROUND

Uniform international measurement tools for assessing healthy ageing are currently lacking.

OBJECTIVES

The study assessed the novel comprehensive global Ageing Trajectories of Health: Longitudinal Opportunities and Synergies (ATHLOS) Healthy Ageing Scale, using an Item Response Theory approach, for evaluating healthy ageing across populations.

DESIGN

Pooled analysis of 16 international longitudinal studies.

SETTING

38 countries in five continents.

SUBJECTS

International cohort (n=355 314), including 44.4% (n=153 597) males, aged (mean±SD) 61.7±11.5 years old.

METHODS

The ATHLOS Healthy Ageing Scale (including 41 items related to intrinsic capacity and functional ability) was evaluated in a pooled international cohort (n=355 314 from 16 studies) according to gender, country of residence and age group. It was also assessed in a subset of eight cohorts with ≥3 waves of follow-up assessment. The independent samples t-test and Mann-Whitney test were applied for comparing normally and skewed continuous variables between groups, respectively.

RESULTS

The ATHLOS Scale (range: 12.49-68.84) had a mean (±SD) value of 50.2±10.0, with males and individuals >65 years old exhibiting higher and lower mean scores, respectively. Highest mean scores were detected in Switzerland, Japan and Denmark, while lowest in Ghana, India and Russia. When the ATHLOS Scale was evaluated in a subset of cohorts with ≥3 study waves, mean scores were significantly higher than those of the baseline cohort (mean scores in ≥3 study waves vs baseline: 51.6±9.4 vs 50.2±10.0; p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The ATHLOS Healthy Ageing Scale may be adequately applied for assessing healthy ageing across populations.

Assessing the diet quality of individuals with rheumatic conditions: a cross-sectional study

Arthritis is a significant cause of chronic pain and disability, affecting around 3.5 million Australians. However, little is known regarding the overall diet quality of those living with arthritis. This study aimed to assess the dietary quality of Australians living in the Australian Capital Territory region with arthritis. This cross-sectional study analysed dietary intake data of individuals living with arthritis using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Dietary quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) to examine associations between diet composition, age, income and arthritis impact using the short form of the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 (AIMS2-SF). Participants, predominantly female (82.6%), were grouped by age: 18-50 years (n = 32), 50-64 years (n = 31), and 65 + years (n = 23). Significant correlations were observed between age and HEI-2015 (r_s = 0.337, p = 0.002) and income and AIMS2-SF (r_s = - 0.353, p < 0.001). The mean HEI-2015 score for the 18-49 years group was fair (72.1 ± 12.3), lower than both the 50-64 years group score of good (81.5 ± 9.72) (p = 0.004), and the 65 + years group score of good (81.8 ± 12.1) (p = 0.007). Dietary fibre, seafood and plant protein, fatty acids, and refined grains were identified as dietary components of concern for the 18-49 years group, and total fruit and added sugar were components of concern for people in the worst tertile for the AIMS2-SF. People aged between 18 and 49 years are consuming a lower quality diet compared to people aged 50 years and over. Further research is needed to understand why this association is occurring in this high socioeconomic region of Australia (a high-income country).

Midday Napping and Successful Aging in Older People Living in the Mediterranean Region: The Epidemiological Mediterranean Islands Study (MEDIS)

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between midday napping, sleeping hours, and successful aging among 2564 older (65+ years) individuals living in the insular Mediterranean region. Anthropometric, clinical, and socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habits, and lifestyle parameters were derived through standard procedures, while successful aging was evaluated using the validated Successful Aging Index (SAI; range 0-10). Of the 2564 participants, 74% reported midday napping. The SAI score was 2.9/10 for non-midday nappers vs. 3.5/10 for midday nappers (p = 0.001). Midday nappers were more likely to be physically active (p = 0.01) and to have higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p = 0.02) compared to non-midday nappers. In a fully adjusted model, midday nappers had 6.7% higher SAI score compared to the rest (p < 0.001), and the effect of midday napping was more prominent among males and participants 80+ years of age. Further analysis indicated a significant U-shaped trend between sleeping hours/day and SAI score (p < 0.001), with 8-9 h total of sleep/day, midday napping included, proposed as optimal in achieving the best SAI score. Midday napping seems to be a beneficial habit that should be promoted and encouraged in older people.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and healthy ageing: Current evidence, biological pathways, and future directions

With an ever-ageing population in developed countries, healthy ageing is an emerging public health priority for securing citizens' quality of life and minimizing healthcare associated costs. While adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with numerous health benefits and deterrence of age-related disorders, a comprehensive review of the current evidence to guide further public health interventions is lacking. This study systematically assessed, according to PRISMA guidelines, current evidence arising from observational studies regarding the potential impact of adherence to the Mediterranean diet on healthy ageing among elder adults. Of 509 initially retrieved unique items, 9 studies (including 2 cross-sectional and 7 prospective cohort studies) were reviewed. The reviewed evidence support that adherence to the Mediterranean diet during midlife was associated with 36%-46% greater likelihood of healthy ageing. Among the elderly, adherence to the Mediterranean diet was significantly associated with healthy ageing, while diets similar to that of the Mediterranean diet were associated with 269% greater likelihood of successful ageing and 33% reduction in mortality risk. Therefore, public health interventions aimed at promoting adherence to the Mediterranean diet, particularly among the elderly, may propagate healthy ageing and diminish the healthcare associated costs associated with age-related morbidity and mortality.

The Association between Green and Black Tea Consumption on Successful Aging: A Combined Analysis of the ATTICA and MEDiterranean ISlands (MEDIS) Epidemiological Studies

Tea is one of the most-widely consumed beverages in the world with a number of different beneficial health effects, mainly ascribed to the polyphenolic content of the tea catechins. The aim of this study was to examine the consumption of green, black, or no tea, in relation to the previously validated successful ageing index (SAI; higher values "healthier" ageing) in a combined analysis of adults aged >50 years old from the ATTICA (n = 1128 adults from Athens, Greece metropolitan area) and the MEDiterranean Islands Study (MEDIS) (n = 2221 adults from various Greek island and Mani) studies. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking, and coffee consumption, green tea was positively associated with SAI (b ± SE: 0.225 ± 0.055, p < 0.001), while black tea was negatively associated with SAI (unstandardized b coefficient ± Standard error: -0.807 ± 0.054, p < 0.001). Green tea (vs black tea) consumption, had higher odds of a SAI of over 3.58 out of 10 (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.38-2.28). Green tea consumption was also associated with higher levels of physical activity (p < 0.001) and reduced likelihood of hypertension (p = 0.006) compared with black tea. Two possible mechanisms are that green tea possesses high levels of catechins such as (-)-epigallocatechin 3-gallate and l-theanine compared with black tea. Therefore, the present analysis supports both the role of green tea constituents in successful ageing, as well as its role as an important component of an overall healthy diet in adults aged 50 years and over from these two epidemiological studies.