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A Mediterranean diet is linked to better psychological well-being in older adults

Older adults who follow a Mediterranean diet experience higher levels of positive psychological well-being. A new study suggests this eating pattern even provided an emotional buffer against the stress of the early COVI…

A Mediterranean diet is linked to better psychological well-being in older adults
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Older adults who follow a Mediterranean diet experience higher levels of positive psychological well-being. A new study suggests this eating pattern even provided an emotional buffer against the stress of the early COVID-19 pandemic.

Eating a diet rich in plants, fish, and olive oil tends to be associated with better mental health and emotional resilience in older adults. A recent study published in the

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journal BMJ Open suggests that following a Mediterranean style of eating provides a protective buffer for psychological well-being, even during periods of widespread societal stress like the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings provide evidence that nutrition plays an important role in helping aging populations maintain a positive outlook on life. The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating based on the traditional foods of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. This eating pattern focuses heavily on plant based foods like vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, and whole grains, while relying on fish and extra virgin olive oil as primary sources of fat. It generally limits the intake of red meat, dairy products, and processed sweets. Extensive research links this specific combination of foods to better physical health, including a lower risk of heart disease and clinical depression. While...

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Published
Jul 11, 2026
Updated
Jul 11, 2026
Source
Psypost - Psychology News
Category
Health
Read time
6 min
Key facts

Key facts

SectionHealth
Open
SourcePsypost - Psychology News
Open
PublishedJul 11, 2026
UpdatedJul 11, 2026

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PublishedJul 11, 2026, 1:00 PMThis story was published by BC Post.
ImportedJul 11, 2026, 11:00 PMThe item entered the BC Post source pipeline.
UpdatedJul 11, 2026, 11:00 PMThe article record or local context was updated.
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Psypost - Psychology News Published Jul 11, 2026 Imported Jul 11, 2026
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Psypost - Psychology News Jul 11, 2026
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