A new study reveals that women who regularly drink caffeinated coffee in midlife may enjoy better overall health as they age. According to decades-long research, moderate coffee intake is linked to a lower risk of chronic disease, cognitive decline, and physical disability in later years.
Healthier Aging Linked to Coffee Habits
The study, presented by Dr. Sara Mahdavi at NUTRITION 2025 in Orlando, analyzed data from nearly 50,000 women over 30 years. It found that women who consumed about three small cups of caffeinated coffee per day during their middle years were more likely to reach age 70 free of serious illness or age-related decline. These women were classified as “healthy agers.”
By 2016, around 3,700 participants had achieved this milestone. Notably, over 80% of their caffeine intake came from coffee. Each additional cup of coffee per day, up to five cups, slightly boosted the chances of healthy aging by 2% to 5%.
Coffee’s Unique Health Benefits
Unlike tea, decaf coffee, or caffeinated soft drinks, regular coffee had a distinct connection to healthy aging. Drinks like cola were actually associated with a lower chance of healthy aging—by as much as 26% per extra serving.
Experts believe that coffee’s health-promoting effects go beyond caffeine. Coffee is packed with hundreds of active compounds that may reduce inflammation, support metabolic function, and enhance cellular health. These factors all play vital roles in how the body ages.
“This would imply that coffee in particular has health-preserving or promoting effects,” said Dr. David Kao, a cardiovascular expert who reviewed the findings. “The results show coffee’s advantage over other caffeinated beverages.”
Method and Findings
The data came from the Nurses’ Health Study, one of the largest and longest-running health studies to date. Since 1984, women aged 45–60 submitted regular updates on their diet and health. Researchers used validated dietary questionnaires to estimate total caffeine consumption, accounting for lifestyle factors like smoking, exercise, and weight.
Only regular coffee showed significant benefits for long-term health. Neither decaf nor tea delivered the same results, reinforcing the idea that specific compounds in coffee—not just caffeine—might drive the benefits.
Personalized Impact and Limitations
While the findings are encouraging, the researchers caution that coffee isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The study was observational, meaning it identified associations but did not prove cause and effect. Additionally, individual differences—such as hormonal changes or genetic variations—can affect how caffeine is metabolized.
“Coffee may support longevity, but it’s not a universal prescription,” said Dr. Mahdavi. “Each woman’s biology plays a role in whether and how coffee benefits her health.”
Conclusion
Moderate coffee consumption in midlife—around three cups daily—may help women maintain physical and mental health into older age. While more research is needed to understand all mechanisms involved, this study suggests that coffee can be a beneficial part of a balanced lifestyle aimed at healthy aging.
