If you’re one of the millions of Australians who can’t start the day without a cup of coffee, you might be in luck—your morning ritual could be doing more than just waking you up.
According to new research, that daily cuppa might actually be a key ingredient in the recipe for a longer, healthier life, especially for women.
Coffee: More than just a pick-me-up
A recent study led by Dr Sara Mahdavi from the University of Toronto has found that women who enjoyed one to three cups of caffeinated coffee a day in their 50s were more likely to reach older age free from major chronic diseases, and with their minds and bodies in good nick.
The research, presented at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting, followed more than 47,000 women over 30 years as part of the renowned Nurses’ Health Study.
The findings? Those moderate coffee drinkers were more likely to age healthily—meaning they dodged the big chronic illnesses and kept their cognitive, physical, and mental health intact well into their later years.
Not all caffeine is created equal
Before you rush out to buy a jumbo-sized coffee mug, it’s worth noting that the benefits were specific to caffeinated coffee.
The same link wasn’t found for tea, decaf coffee, or—sorry to say—cola and other sugary caffeinated drinks. In fact, those who drank more cola or similar sodas actually had a lower chance of healthy aging.
So, what’s so special about coffee? Dr David Kao, a women’s heart disease expert from the University of Colorado, says the results suggest there’s something unique about coffee itself, not just the caffeine.
Coffee is packed with antioxidants and other bioactive compounds that may help protect against disease and support brain health.
A word of caution: Observational, not causal
It’s important to remember that this study is observational. That means it can show a link between coffee drinking and healthy aging, but it can’t prove that coffee is the direct cause.
The researchers did their best to account for other factors, like diet, lifestyle, and demographics, but there could still be other variables at play.
Still, these findings line up with previous research showing that moderate coffee consumption is linked to lower risks of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even some cancers.
Should you start drinking coffee if you don’t already?
Not so fast. Dr Mahdavi is quick to point out that coffee isn’t a magic bullet, and it’s not a universal prescription for everyone.
How your body handles caffeine can depend on your genetics, your health, and—for women—your hormones.
For example, estrogen can slow down the breakdown of caffeine, meaning it lingers longer in the body, especially during menopause, pregnancy, or when using certain medications.
So, while one to three cups a day seems to be a sweet spot for many, it’s not a one-size-fits-all recommendation.
If you’re not a coffee drinker, there’s no need to force yourself to start. And if you already enjoy your daily brew, there’s no reason to cut back in the name of healthy aging—unless your doctor says otherwise.
Credit: CBS Mornings / TikTok
Who should watch their coffee intake?
Of course, coffee isn’t for everyone. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety, or trouble sleeping, it’s wise to keep an eye on your caffeine intake.
Dr Lu Qi, a public health expert from Tulane University, also notes that the timing of your coffee matters—having it in the morning may be better for your health than sipping it throughout the day.
And let’s not forget: coffee is just one piece of the healthy aging puzzle. It can’t replace a balanced diet, regular exercise, and good sleep.
But for many of us, knowing that our daily coffee habit is probably doing more good than harm is a welcome bit of news.
The bottom line
For most people, enjoying a moderate amount of coffee each day is not only safe, but may even help you age more gracefully. So, if you love your morning brew, you can sip away with a little extra peace of mind.
But we want to hear from you! Has coffee been a lifelong companion, or did you come to it later in life? Have you noticed any health benefits (or drawbacks) from your daily cup? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—we’d love to know how coffee fits into your healthy aging journey.
Also read: Australia’s love for coffee could be brewing a national health concern—here’s why
