Lifestyle choices and living to age 90
Official title: LIFEstyle factors and LONGevity (LIFELONG) Study
Funded at Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-11194486 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Looking at how everyday diet and habits in older adults relate to reaching age 90.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $596,770 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082685-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11194486 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are community-dwelling adults enrolled in long-term health studies, especially people aged 65 and older who can provide diet and follow-up health information.
✕Less likely to help
People outside the cohorts (or with rapidly progressing terminal illness or conditions driven solely by non-modifiable factors) may not receive direct benefit from participation.
What this research studies
Researchers will combine diet and health information from many long-term studies around the world to see which foods and habits are common among people who live to age 90. The focus includes common items like coffee, alcohol, ultra-processed foods, red meat, and dietary fiber, plus other modifiable factors linked to chronic disease. The team will compare people who reach exceptional longevity with those who do not while accounting for genetics and other health conditions. Results will be used to guide practical, age-specific recommendations for healthy aging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could offer clear, practical diet and lifestyle guidance to help older adults live healthier, longer lives.
How similar studies have gone: Large cohort studies have linked diet and habits to chronic disease and lifespan, but direct evidence tying common foods to reaching age 90 is limited and not yet conclusive.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith-Warner, Stephanie a — Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Smith-Warner, Stephanie a
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.