Buzz
While many of us may only reach our 70s, it's hard not to envy centenarians celebrating their milestones with cake and candles while sharing wisdom on living a fulfilling life. A research initiative known as the 90+ study gathers data on the oldest individuals, but contrary to some claims, it does not suggest that alcohol is a magic elixir for longevity.
The headlines: Study: For those over 90, alcohol outperforms exercise for longevity (Chicago Tribune); Drinking alcohol essential for living past 90 (US News and World Report)
The story: The 90+ study focuses on individuals aged 90 and above, aiming to uncover the secrets behind their extended lifespans and what keeps some mentally sharp in their later years.
Recently, Dr. Claudia Kawas, a lead researcher of the study, shared some findings at a press conference. While no new paper has been released, numerous analyses have been published over the years, including a 2016 study exploring lifestyle factors linked to dementia in this 90+ group. You might recall the 60 Minutes feature on this research.
However, there's a catch: participants only join this study after surpassing the average lifespan. Kawas emphasized that individuals who face health issues or premature death due to alcohol (or any other cause) don’t survive long enough to qualify. After all, alcohol is a known risk factor for cancer.
Additionally, the study isn’t structured to determine cause and effect. While older adults who exercise often live longer, it could simply be that those healthy enough to exercise have fewer health issues compared to their peers with shorter lifespans.
Alcohol might serve as a similar indicator: enjoying wine with family dinners could reflect your overall health, happiness, and social bonds rather than proving alcohol’s direct impact on longevity. Time notes that while some studies suggest alcohol may aid longevity, others highlight its potential harms.
The take-away: This research doesn’t focus on how to reach 90; instead, it examines the traits of those who’ve already achieved it. The 2016 study revealed that none of the factors measured at age 70 influenced cognitive health in the 90s. The debate remains unresolved.
