A recent study indicates that adherence to a Mediterranean diet may enhance psychological well-being among individuals aged 50 and older. Conducted by researchers from University College London and the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), the findings were published in BMJ Open.
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The Mediterranean diet, characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, and olive oil, has demonstrated benefits in mitigating physical decline and reducing the risk of depression. This study uniquely focuses on positive psychological well-being, encompassing factors like control, autonomy, pleasure, and self-realization. It assessed aspects such as independence, enjoyment of life, sense of purpose, energy levels, and future outlook, suggesting the diet's benefits extend beyond the presence of depressive symptoms or socioeconomic status.
The research analyzed data from 3,296 participants aged 50 to 90, gathered as part of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Dietary habits were recorded in 2018 and 2019 through an online platform, where participants documented their food and drink intake over two nonconsecutive days. Psychological well-being was evaluated through questionnaires administered up to two times between 2018 and 2020.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the ELSA data revealed a negative emotional impact on participants due to the pandemic's challenges. However, those with a strong adherence to the Mediterranean diet experienced less of a decline in emotional well-being, indicating a potential protective effect.
Camille Lassale, ISGlobal researcher and senior author of the study, noted that while the study is observational and causal conclusions cannot be drawn, the longitudinal design allowed for a comprehensive analysis over time. She highlighted ongoing investigations into the biological mechanisms that may explain the diet's benefits for mental health, such as regulation of stress responses, inflammation, gut health, and brain function.
Alanna Shand, a co-author of the study, emphasized the growing field linking diet to mental health and the importance of generating more evidence in this area. Andrew Steptoe, the first author and a researcher at University College London, reinforced the need to promote healthy lifestyles that prioritize a balanced diet rich in plant-based foods and minimized processed foods, particularly for older adults.
The study is titled "Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and psychological wellbeing before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a prospective analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing," and is set to be published in BMJ Open in 2026.