Plant-based Diets and Healthy Aging

This prospective study investigates the health effects of vegetarian and plant-based diets in middle-aged and older adults in Taiwan, specifically, recruiting 5000 Tzu Chi volunteers. Previous Tzu Chi cohorts found vegetarian diets were protectively associated with incidences of diabetes, stroke, gout, cataracts, insomnia, and gallstones, while reducing healthcare costs. The study also aims to clarify dietary patterns-particularly plant-based and vegetarian diets-and determine how potential deficiencies or excesses of various nutrients influence common aging-related health issues, including healthy cognitive decline, sarcopenia, and the risk of age-related diseases, in order to inform dietary and lifestyle recommendations that promote healthy aging and maintain physical function.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 40 years or older. * Volunteers of the Tzu Chi Foundation. * Participating in the 2-day comprehensive health examination program. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant individual. * Diagnosed with dementia or poor cognition resulting in inability to answer questionnaires.