when they eat.
A new study led by Mass General Brigham and other researchers has found that changes in the timing of meals could be a sign of health problems in older adults. The findings were published in the journal Communications Medicine.
The study looked at nearly 3,000 adults in the United Kingdom, ranging in age from 42 to 94. These people were followed for over 20 years. During this time, researchers carefully collected data about their health, their meal timing, and their daily routines. Blood samples and other health records were also reviewed.
One major finding was that older people tend to eat breakfast and dinner later in the day. They also tend to eat all their meals within a shorter time frame. These changes may not seem like a big deal, but the study found they could be linked to serious health concerns.
The researchers discovered that people who ate breakfast later in the day were more likely to have mental or physical health problems. These included symptoms like depression, low energy, or trouble with their teeth. Those who had difficulty preparing meals or who had poor sleep habits were also more likely to eat late.
Most importantly, people who delayed breakfast were more likely to die during the time of the study. This shows that meal timing might affect not only how we feel but also how long we live.
Another interesting discovery was that people who are “night owls”—those who stay up late and sleep in—were also more likely to eat meals later. This suggests that a person’s natural body clock, also known as their circadian rhythm, might play a role in when they prefer to eat.
Dr. Hassan Dashti, one of the study’s lead authors, said that when older adults start eating breakfast later, it could be a simple sign that their health is changing.
Paying attention to meal times might help doctors or family members notice health problems earlier. He also said that helping older adults eat at regular times may support better health and a longer life.
Dr. Altug Didikoglu, another researcher on the team, explained that this study is one of the first to show how meal timing changes with age and how it might affect lifespan. Until now, not much was known about this connection.
The findings also raise questions about newer eating styles like time-restricted eating or intermittent fasting. These diets may have different effects on older people than they do on younger ones. More research is needed to understand how these eating habits impact aging and health.
This research gives new importance to the idea that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” For older adults, eating earlier may help protect both their physical and mental health. It turns out that when you eat may be just as important as what you eat.
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