If your morning ritual includes a cup of regular coffee, science now says you might be doing more than jumpstarting your day — you could be helping your future self thrive.
A new 30-year study of nearly 50,000 women suggests that those who drank caffeinated coffee during midlife were significantly more likely to become what researchers call “healthy agers.” That means reaching age 70 or older without major chronic diseases, cognitive decline or physical limitations.
The study, presented at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting, found that women who averaged around three small cups of coffee per day in their 40s to early 60s had better odds of aging well. Notably, the benefits weren’t observed with decaf or tea, and soda drinkers fared the worst. Just one extra glass of cola a day was linked to a 20%-26% lower chance of healthy aging.
“Caffeinated coffee — not tea or decaf — may uniquely support aging trajectories that preserve both mental and physical function,” said lead author Dr. Sara Mahdavi, a nutrition researcher and adjunct professor at the University of Toronto.
While the differences were modest, each additional cup of coffee increased the chance of healthy aging by up to 5%, the findings reinforce a growing body of evidence that our everyday habits add up over time. Researchers are now exploring how specific compounds in coffee might interact with genes tied to aging and metabolism.
Bottom line: If coffee agrees with you and doesn’t interfere with your sleep or health conditions, it may be a smart sip to keep in your daily lineup, especially when paired with other healthy habits like staying active and eating well.
This study was supported by the National Institutes of Health.