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 This article highlights two related studies on “biological ageing” — one about diet and telomeres, and another about arts engagement and epigenetic ageing. Here’s the evidence-based takeaway.

What the diet study found

Researchers at the University of Navarra followed 1,709 adults in Spain for nearly a decade and measured telomere length over eight years.

Telomeres, in simple terms

Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. They naturally shorten as cells divide and age.

\text{Telomere length} \downarrow \text{ with age}

Shorter telomeres are associated with ageing and increased risk of diseases such as cardiovascular disease and dementia, though they are only one marker among many.

Foods linked with slower biological ageing

The strongest associations were seen with:

• Olive oil
• Berries and other fruits
• Vegetables
• Coffee
• Cocoa
• Herbs and spices

These foods are rich in polyphenols, plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Participants with the highest fruit intake had:

• a 29% lower likelihood of short telomeres
• coffee drinkers had about a 26% lower risk versus non-drinkers

The article also quotes Ana Rodriguez-Mateos, who notes that polyphenols are already linked to lower risks of heart disease and cognitive decline.

Important caveat

This was an observational study. That means:

• it found associations, not proof of cause and effect
• people eating more polyphenol-rich foods may also have healthier lifestyles overall
• telomere length is not the same thing as “stopping ageing”

So “olive oil prevents wrinkles” would be an overstatement. The evidence is better interpreted as:

Long-term dietary patterns rich in plant foods are associated with healthier ageing markers.

Practical diet changes with the strongest scientific support

The advice in the piece broadly aligns with the well-studied Nutrition Science literature:

• Use extra virgin olive oil instead of butter or highly processed fats
• Eat berries and colourful fruit regularly
• Increase vegetables and legumes
• Include nuts and seeds
• Drink coffee in moderation if tolerated
• Reduce ultra-processed foods
• Maintain adequate protein intake

A Mediterranean-style eating pattern has substantially stronger evidence than any single “anti-ageing food.”

The arts-and-ageing study

Researchers from University College London found that people engaging weekly in arts and cultural activities appeared biologically younger according to epigenetic ageing measures.

Activities included:

• singing
• dancing
• painting
• museum visits
• cultural events

The association remained after adjusting for factors such as smoking, BMI, education, and income.

Again, this does not prove the arts directly slow ageing. But it supports a broader idea that:

• social connection
• mental stimulation
• physical activity
• stress reduction

may all contribute to healthier ageing.

Bottom line

The article is directionally consistent with mainstream evidence:

• diets rich in plant foods and olive oil are associated with healthier ageing
• staying socially and mentally engaged also appears beneficial

But the real message is not a miracle food. It’s the cumulative effect of long-term habits:

• nutrition
• exercise
• sleep
• stress management
• social and cultural engagement
• avoiding smoking

all working together over decades.