A large new study led by researchers at Harvard University has found that women who drink coffee every day are more likely to age healthily, staying mentally sharp and free of major chronic diseases as they get older.
The study followed 47,513 women over several decades, starting in 1984, tracking their coffee consumption and health. By 2016, about 3,706 of these women were still alive and met the researchers’ criteria for “healthy aging.”
This meant they were at least 70 years old, reported good mental and physical health, had no memory problems or cognitive decline, and did not suffer from 11 major chronic diseases such as cancer, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis.
The key finding was that women who drank at least one cup of caffeinated coffee daily were more likely to be among those who aged healthily. For each additional cup of coffee (up to five cups per day), the chance of healthy aging increased by 2% to 5%. Drinking decaffeinated coffee or tea did not show the same benefits.
Interestingly, drinking soda—even caffeinated soda—was linked to a lower chance of healthy aging. Each 12-ounce soda consumed daily reduced the odds of healthy aging by 20% to 26%.
The research used data from the Nurses’ Health Study, a long-term study of U.S. registered nurses that began in 1976. The study controlled for other factors such as age, body mass index, smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, education, and diet to isolate the effect of coffee on aging.
Dr. Sara Mahdavi, the study’s lead author, noted that this is the first study to look at coffee’s impact across multiple aspects of aging over three decades. The results were presented at the American Society for Nutrition’s NUTRITION 2025 conference.
While this study shows a strong link between coffee drinking and healthy aging, it does not prove that coffee causes these benefits. Other unknown factors might also play a role. However, these findings add to a growing body of research suggesting coffee has powerful health benefits. Previous studies have linked coffee consumption to longer life, lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and reduced physical frailty in older adults.
One study from Australia found that health benefits increase with coffee intake up to five cups per day, but drinking more than that might raise the risk of heart disease.
In summary, for women who enjoy coffee, drinking a few cups daily could be part of a lifestyle that supports healthier aging and a longer life free of major diseases.
This new research highlights coffee not just as a morning pick-me-up, but potentially a contributor to better health as we grow older.
Read more:
- Daily Coffee Linked to Healthier Aging in Women, Harvard Study Shows
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- What’s the Best Multivitamin for Diabetic Female?
