Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Nov 27, 2025 1 hour, 34 minutes ago
Medical News: Growing Evidence That Diet Shapes How Well We Age
A new study from researchers at the Department of Nutritional Science and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, University of the Peloponnese in Greece is drawing global attention. Their work highlights how older adults who regularly consume fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids tend to show stronger markers of healthy aging. This
Medical News report focuses on the DIAPELH Study, which examined 449 adults aged over 60 across the Peloponnese region and uncovered meaningful connections between diet, mental function, long COVID symptoms and overall age-related wellbeing.
Higher fish-based omega-3 intake is linked to sharper cognition and healthier aging in older adults
The study showed that individuals with higher intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids displayed fewer symptoms of depression, higher cognitive performance and a better overall Successful Aging Index score. These findings offer simple, everyday guidance for older people worldwide who want to retain quality of life and prevent age-linked decline.
Mental Wellbeing and Brain Function Strongly Linked to Omega 3
According to the research team, older adults who consumed more fish had notably better results on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test, which evaluates memory, attention and executive skills. Higher omega-3 intake was also tied to lower depression scores. Page-level data from the study further shows that for every one-gram increase in omega-3 consumption, depression scores dropped and cognitive scores increased in measurable ways.
The researchers suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may help stabilize brain cell membranes, reduce inflammation and support neural communication. These combined effects could help maintain clearer thinking and emotional balance as people grow older.
Unexpected Link Between Omega 3 And Long COVID Symptoms
One of the most surprising results was the inverse connection between omega-3 intake and long COVID symptoms. Older adults who consumed more fish were less likely to report persistent fatigue, brain fog or prolonged post-infection issues. The data shows that higher omega-3 intake significantly reduced the odds of long COVID symptoms even after adjusting for age, sex and cardiovascular risks. Researchers believe this may be due to the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3s, which could help regulate the immune system and improve recovery after viral infections.
What The Findings Mean for Healthy Aging
The study reinforces the long-standing idea that diet is one of the most powerful factors influencing how well we age. It also shows that even simple dietary habits, such as eating more fish rich in omega-3s, can play a protective role for both the body and brain. These insights could help shape future nutrition guidelines for older adults worldwide.
Conclusions
Overall, the research provides compelling evidence that regularly consuming fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids supports multiple
aspects of healthy aging, from cognitive clarity and emotional stability to reducing the likelihood of long COVID-related problems. While the study is observational, the consistency of its findings highlights the importance of nutrition as a cornerstone of aging well. Continued research may further refine these insights, but the message is already clear—what older adults eat today can shape their long-term health, independence and quality of life for years to come.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jhn.70169
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