Mediterranean diet linked to better psychological wellbeing in older adults

New research using ELSA data suggests that following a Mediterranean-style diet is associated with better psychological wellbeing in later life. The study also found that people whose diets were closer to the Mediterranean pattern appeared to be more resilient to the emotional effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A study published in BMJ Open has found that older adults who more closely followed a Mediterranean-style diet reported higher levels of psychological wellbeing than those whose diets were less closely aligned with this eating pattern.

The research analysed data from 3,296 participants in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), aged between 50 and 90 years. Participants completed dietary assessments in 2018 and 2019, while measures of psychological wellbeing were collected before and during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Mediterranean diet is rich in fruit, vegetables, legumes, fish and olive oil, with lower amounts of processed foods, red meat and sugary foods. Previous studies have linked this dietary pattern with better physical health and a lower risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease and depression. This study examined whether it was also associated with positive psychological wellbeing, including feeling independent, having a sense of purpose, enjoying life and looking positively towards the future.

The researchers found that people who more closely followed a Mediterranean diet tended to report higher levels of psychological wellbeing. This relationship remained even after taking account of factors such as depressive symptoms and socioeconomic circumstances.

The study also showed that psychological wellbeing declined across the cohort during the Covid-19 pandemic, reflecting the wider emotional impact of lockdowns and restrictions. However, this decline was smaller among participants who had greater adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet, suggesting that healthier eating patterns may have helped buffer some of the emotional effects of the pandemic.

Professor Andrew Steptoe, first author of the study and ELSA Director, said: "Although many questions remain, there is no doubt about the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles, including a balanced diet rich in plant-based foods and lower in processed meats and sugary foods, particularly as people grow older."

The researchers note that this was an observational study, meaning it cannot demonstrate that diet directly causes improvements in psychological wellbeing. However, the findings add to growing evidence that diet may play an important role in supporting both physical and mental health as we age.

Reference

Steptoe A, Shand AJ, Lassale C. 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. BMJ Open. 2026;16. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-109599

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