A Harvard study of nearly 50,000 women over 30 years has found a potential link between moderate coffee drinking and healthy aging. The research, led by Dr. Sara Mahdavi, suggests that caffeinated coffee may help preserve both mental and physical function.
The study followed 47,513 women from 1984 to 2016, analyzing their health data and coffee-drinking habits. Women who consumed at least one cup of coffee daily were more likely to be considered “healthy agers” – individuals aged 70 or older, with no chronic diseases, positive mental health, and maintained physical function.
Each additional cup of coffee was associated with a 2-5% increased chance of healthy aging, peaking at around five small cups per day. Moderate coffee intake may offer some protective benefits when combined with other healthy behaviors.
Interestingly, drinking tea or decaffeinated coffee didn’t show a clear connection to healthy aging, while consuming cola drastically lowered chances of positive health outcomes. The study’s findings are consistent with previous research suggesting that moderate coffee consumption may be linked to lower mortality rates and improved health outcomes.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/20/30-year-harvard-study-finds-coffee-linked-to-healthy-aging-in-women.html