Healthy longevity thanks to the Mediterranean diet

Aging of the world populations represents a remarkable success of humankind and a source of challenge. The increasing numbers of aging adults with multiple co-morbidities will significantly impact society in the coming years. There is growing evidence of the influence of diet and physical activity on quality of life in advanced age. Since the first data from the seven countries study, numerous investigations in different populations have established a beneficial role for the Mediterranean dietary pattern on the reduction of overall mortality and mortality from cardiovascular diseases and cancer, hence, increasing longevity. This evidence has definitely set up the role of adherence to a Mediterranean diet as a model of healthy eating which contributes to a favourable health status and a good quality of life.