Considering another cup of joe? Recent research indicates coffee consumption could potentially contribute to improved aging in women
In a groundbreaking development, a recent study by the American Society for Nutrition has found that moderate consumption of caffeinated coffee during midlife could contribute to healthy aging and a higher likelihood of maintaining good health into late life, particularly for women.
The study, presented at the American Society for Nutrition's 2025 Annual Meeting, analyzed the caffeine intake of over 47,000 women from the Nurses’ Health Study over a period of three decades. The research focused on common sources of caffeine, including coffee, tea, cola, and decaf coffee.
Dr. Sara Mahdavi, B.Sc., HBS.c., R.D., M.Sc., Ph.D., one of the researchers involved in the study, stated that while past studies have linked coffee to individual health outcomes, this study is the first to assess coffee's impact across multiple domains of aging over three decades.
The study found that women who consumed approximately 2 to 5 cups of caffeinated coffee daily during midlife had a 2% to 5% higher chance of healthy aging across multiple domains. This corresponds to about 315 mg of caffeine per day, with 80% of it coming from coffee. Each additional daily cup of coffee (80 mg of caffeine) was linked to a further 2-5% greater chance of healthy aging.
However, the benefits of coffee on healthy aging did not extend to decaf coffee or tea. In fact, each extra small glass of caffeinated soda was tied to a 20% to 26% lower chance of healthy aging.
The study defined healthy aging as living to at least 70 years old without major chronic diseases, staying physically active, having good mental health, and showing no signs of cognitive decline or memory issues. The researchers identified 3,700 women as "healthy agers" in 2016.
Dr. Mahdavi emphasized that small, consistent habits can shape long-term health. She stated that the findings suggest that caffeinated coffee may uniquely support aging trajectories that preserve both mental and physical function. Moderate coffee intake may offer some protective benefits when combined with other healthy behaviors such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking.
While the study adds to prior evidence suggesting coffee intake may be linked with healthy aging, the benefits from coffee are relatively modest compared to the impact of overall healthy lifestyle habits. The study has several key strengths, including a large sample size, 30 years of follow-up, and comprehensive information on nutritional and lifestyle habits collected every four years.
The study's findings may have implications for understanding the role of caffeine in healthy aging. However, Dr. Mahdavi also emphasized the need for further investigation into the benefits of coffee on healthy aging. She concluded that not all caffeine sources are created equal, and future research could help clarify the specific mechanisms behind coffee's potential benefits for healthy aging.
Science reveals moderate caffeinated coffee consumption during midlife could contribute to a healthier aging process and better wellness in women, particularly regarding fitness-and-exercise and nutrition. The study, conducted by the American Society for Nutrition, further underscores the need for further research, exploring the specific health benefits associated with various caffeine sources, like coffee, and their impact on different domains of aging.
