Drinking your morning cup of coffee might do more than just wake you up. New research suggests that caffeinated coffee could help women stay mentally and physically healthy as they age.
A major study by scientists at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health followed nearly 50,000 women over 30 years. The researchers wanted to know how drinks like coffee, tea, and cola affect long-term health and aging.
Their findings suggest that women who regularly drink caffeinated coffee may have a better chance of aging in a healthy way—staying strong, mentally alert, and free from major diseases.
Only Caffeinated Coffee Showed Benefits
The study found that only caffeinated coffee—not decaf, tea, or cola—was linked to healthy aging. Women who drank decaf or tea did not enjoy the same benefits. Worse, women who preferred cola had a significantly lower chance of aging well.
Dr. Sara Mahdavi, lead author of the study, explained the significance:
“While past studies have linked coffee to individual health benefits, ours is the first to examine its long-term impact across multiple aspects of aging. The results suggest that caffeinated coffee may support both mental and physical health in older women.”
Dr. Mahdavi presented the findings at Nutrition 2025, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition.
What the Study Looked At
The study used data from 47,513 participants in the long-running Nurses’ Health Study, which began collecting dietary and health information in 1984. Researchers asked women to report how often they drank coffee, tea, cola, and decaf coffee. They also gathered detailed lifestyle and health data every four years.
To define “healthy aging,” the team used strict standards. Women had to:
Live to at least 70,
Be free from 11 major chronic illnesses,
Have good physical function,
Maintain good mental health,
Show no signs of cognitive decline or memory issues.
How Much Caffeine Made a Difference?
By 2016, researchers found that 3,706 women in the study met all the criteria for healthy aging. These women, now between ages 70 and 90, had consumed an average of 315 mg of caffeine daily during their mid-life years (ages 45–60). That’s about three small cups of coffee per day, or one and a half large cups.
More than 80% of that caffeine came from regular, caffeinated coffee. For each extra 80 mg of caffeine consumed daily—the amount in one small cup of coffee—the chances of healthy aging improved.
The researchers made sure to consider other factors that affect aging, such as smoking, alcohol use, exercise habits, weight, education level, and diet. Even after adjusting for these, the positive link between caffeinated coffee and healthy aging remained strong.
Why Coffee, Not Tea or Cola?
Although tea and cola also contain caffeine, the study found they did not offer the same protective effects. The reason may lie in how our bodies absorb and respond to caffeine from different sources. Cola, in particular, was linked with a lower likelihood of healthy aging—possibly due to its added sugars and other ingredients.
The Bigger Picture on Healthy Aging
The researchers believe the combination of caffeine’s known effects—such as improved attention, better circulation, and anti-inflammatory properties—may help explain coffee’s role in healthy aging. But it’s not just about caffeine. Coffee also contains other compounds that might contribute to better health outcomes over time.
Dr. Mahdavi emphasized the strength of the study:
“Our large sample size and long follow-up allowed us to carefully evaluate how coffee fits into a healthy lifestyle. We looked at mental function, physical strength, disease prevention, and overall longevity.”
Takeaway for Coffee Drinkers
If you’re already enjoying a daily cup or two of regular coffee, this study adds to the list of reasons to keep sipping. But it’s important to note that the benefits were tied specifically to moderate consumption of caffeinated coffee during mid-life.
Tea drinkers and those who prefer decaf shouldn’t be discouraged, though. Other healthy habits—like staying active, eating well, and avoiding smoking—still play a huge role in how well we age.
For now, coffee lovers can feel a little more confident that their morning brew might help them stay sharp and strong well into their later years.
