For women, daily coffee consumption may improve healthy aging

A daily cup of coffee may be more than just a morning ritual,it could be a key to aging well. A major new study spanning 30 years and nearly 50,000 participants suggests that women who regularly consumed caffeinated coffee during midlife were more likely to enjoy robust physical and mental health well into their senior years.

Presented by Dr. Sara Mahdavi at the NUTRITION 2025 conference in Orlando, the research examined data from the Nurses’ Health Study, one of the largest and longest-running investigations of women’s health. Researchers found that moderate coffee consumption—roughly three small cups per day—was linked to a higher likelihood of “healthy aging,” a term defined as living beyond 70 without major chronic diseases, cognitive impairment, or physical limitations.

Caffeine’s role in longevity

Mahdavi, a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and adjunct professor at the University of Toronto, explained that while previous studies have associated coffee with individual health benefits, this is the first to examine its comprehensive effects on the aging process. The study accounted for a wide range of lifestyle and dietary factors collected every four years since 1984.

Each additional small cup of coffee consumed daily in midlife corresponded to a 2% – 5% higher probability of healthy aging, with benefits tapering off at around five small cups. Notably, 80% of the caffeine intake in the study came from coffee.

Unlike coffee, other common sources of caffeine did not offer similar benefits. In fact, the study found no positive associations between healthy aging and the consumption of tea or decaffeinated coffee. Even more striking, women who consumed more cola — a popular caffeine source — were 20% – 26% less likely to age healthily.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the health-promoting effects of coffee are not merely due to caffeine alone but possibly to other bioactive compounds found in the beverage.

While the study presents compelling evidence in favor of coffee as part of a healthy lifestyle, Mahdavi urged caution in its interpretation. She said moderate coffee intake may offer some protective benefits when combined with other healthy behaviors such as regular exercise, a healthy diet and avoiding smoking.” 

Genetic factors may also affect how individuals metabolize caffeine. In a related 2023 study, Mahdavi and colleagues found that some genetic profiles may alter how caffeine affects the body, meaning that “more is not always better” for everyone.

The researchers said they plan further studies to investigate the interactions between coffee’s bioactive compounds and aging markers, particularly among women. This could pave the way for personalized dietary guidelines to optimize healthspan and cognitive resilience.