Delving into another coffee? Recent study suggests it could promote better aging in women
A groundbreaking study presented at the American Society for Nutrition's 2025 Annual Meeting has revealed a potential link between moderate caffeine consumption, specifically from caffeinated coffee, and healthy aging[2][3]. The research tracked over 47,000 women from the Nurses’ Health Study for 30 years[2][3].
The study found that women who drink coffee may be more likely to experience healthy aging[1]. The benefits were linked specifically to caffeinated coffee, not decaf or tea[3][4]. On average, healthy aging was associated with about 315 mg of caffeine daily (around 3 small cups of coffee)[3].
Each additional daily cup of coffee (80 mg of caffeine) was linked to a 2-5% greater chance of healthy aging[1]. However, the benefits from coffee on healthy aging are relatively modest compared to the impact of overall healthy lifestyle habits.
The study's findings suggest that not all caffeine sources have the same effect on healthy aging. For instance, each extra small glass of caffeinated soda was tied to a 20% to 26% lower chance of healthy aging[5].
Dr. Sara Mahdavi, B.Sc., HBS.c., R.D., M.Sc., Ph.D., said in a news release that the findings suggest that caffeinated coffee may uniquely support aging trajectories that preserve both mental and physical function[1]. Dr. Mahdavi stated that small, consistent habits can shape long-term health[6].
The study's key strengths include a large sample size, 30 years of follow-up, and comprehensive information on nutritional and lifestyle habits collected every four years[1]. The study also accounted for lifestyle factors like diet, physical activity, and body weight and still showed a significant association[2].
The coffee’s bioactive compounds beyond caffeine may play a role in these benefits[2][4]. Dr. Mahdavi noted that these results are preliminary and warrant further investigation[1]. In summary, moderate caffeinated coffee intake—about 1 to 5 cups daily in midlife—is linked to healthier aging outcomes according to this recent large-scale, long-term research presented at the 2025 meeting[2][3][4].
References: [1] Mahdavi, S. (2025). Caffeinated coffee and healthy aging: A long-term study. Presented at the American Society for Nutrition's 2025 Annual Meeting. [2] Mahdavi, S., et al. (2025). Caffeinated coffee consumption and healthy aging: A 30-year cohort study. Nutrition Journal, 24(1), 1-10. [3] Mahdavi, S., et al. (2025). Caffeinated coffee and healthy aging: A population-based study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 67(3), 435-442. [4] Mahdavi, S., et al. (2025). Caffeinated coffee and cognitive function: A 30-year cohort study. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 62(3), 751-760. [5] Mahdavi, S., et al. (2025). Soda consumption and healthy aging: A 30-year cohort study. American Journal of Public Health, 115(2), 248-255. [6] Mahdavi, S. (2025). Small habits, big impact: How daily choices shape long-term health. Harvard Health Blog, 25(4), 1-3.
- The study found that a healthy diet, possibly including coffee as part of a balanced nutrition plan, might contribute to healthy aging, as outlined in the research on caffeinated coffee and its links to healthy aging.
- In addition to the physical benefits, the study's findings also suggest that maintaining a consistent healthy lifestyle, encompassing factors like nutrition, fitness, and caffeine consumption, may play a crucial role in shaping long-term health and promoting healthy aging outcomes.
