NUTRITIONAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTHY AGEING. HALE (HEALTHY AGEING: LONGITUDINAL STUDY IN EUROPE) PROJECT

Introduction. The HALE project of the European Union analyzed age-related changes and the determinants of healthy aging in terms of mortality and morbidity, and physical, mental, cognitive and social functionality in 13 European countries. Material and methods. Data from seven countries, contained in the FINE (Finland, Italy and the Netherlands elderly) and SENECA (survey in Europe on nutrition and the elderly, a concerted action) studies were used. Nutrients, biomarkers of nutrients, body composition, diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol, perceived health, psychological functionality, and mortality were studied. Results. The Mediterranean diet, not smoking, and moderate alcohol consumption decrease the risk of mortality. Vitamin and mineral supplements do not modify the risk of mortality. Conclusions. Maintaining body weight, the Mediterranean diet, 30 minutes of daily physical activity, moderate alcohol consumption, and not smoking are recommended.