Study Finds Lower Odds of Reaching 100 for Non-Meat Eaters Over 80

New research published in 2026 examined the relationship between diet and longevity in adults aged 80 and older, using data from a long-term Chinese health survey.

The study followed more than 5,000 participants from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, beginning in 1998, to assess how dietary choices might relate to the likelihood of becoming a centenarian.

Researchers found that individuals who avoided meat, including vegetarians and vegans, had a lower probability of reaching age 100 compared to those who consumed meat. Specifically, vegetarians showed about a 19% lower likelihood, while vegans had approximately a 29% lower likelihood of reaching this age milestone.

The analysis indicated that this decreased likelihood was only statistically significant among participants who were underweight, defined as having a body mass index below 18.5. For those with a BMI of 18.5 or higher, the difference in longevity between non-meat eaters and meat eaters was not significant.

What the numbers show

• Over 5,000 adults aged 80+ were tracked from 1998
• Vegetarians had a 19% lower chance of reaching 100 than omnivores
• Vegans had a 29% lower chance of reaching 100 than omnivores

Participants who included fish, dairy, or eggs in their diets did not experience a reduction in their odds of becoming centenarians when compared to those who ate meat. The study authors noted that these findings highlight nutritional considerations for the oldest-old, particularly regarding protein and essential nutrients needed to support muscle and bone health.

The research was observational and does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between diet type and the likelihood of reaching 100 years of age. The authors emphasized that the results reflect associations rather than definitive outcomes.

Other studies have reported different results. For example, the Adventist Health Study-1 found that vegetarian men and women lived, on average, 9.5 and 6.1 years longer, respectively, than non-vegetarians, suggesting that dietary impacts on longevity may vary by population and age group.

Overall, the 2026 study contributes to ongoing research into how dietary patterns affect longevity, especially among the oldest segments of the population. The findings underscore the complexity of nutritional needs in advanced age and the importance of considering individual health status, such as body weight, when evaluating dietary choices.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.