May 31, 2025
Story at-a-glance
- Recent research shows that adults in their mid-60s with healthier diets and lifestyle habits had significantly lower rates of hip fractures and cardiovascular-related deaths
- Diet quality has the biggest impact on long-term health, especially when focused on whole, unprocessed foods rather than processed meats, refined grains, and added sugars
- Calcium from food sources was associated with lower cardiovascular mortality, while those using calcium supplements faced higher fracture risk, likely due to prior fractures and poor nutrient balance
- Participants with healthier diets also smoked less, exercised more, and had fewer chronic health conditions
- It's never too late to adopt healthier habits, but combining multiple healthy practices delivers the greatest benefits for reducing disease risk and extending quality of life