Eating-Aging Link to Be Subject of Study

The National Institute on Aging is beginning a new study to assess how established patterns of eating, restrained or unrestrained, affect the rate of human aging and quality of life in later years.

NIA-supported scientists at Tufts University will study two groups of older women: those who have voluntarily restricted their intake of food over a long period and those who generally eat what they wish.

This study could provide important clues about how eating patterns affect the amount of time in which older people can function and maintain a good quality of life, according to Pamela Starke-Reed, director of NIA’s office of nutrition.