Published results from observational studies that assessed food habits on cancer and cardiovascular disease risk in elderly were retreived and summarized.
In all studies diet had an effect on cardiovascular disease risk. The Mediterranean diet, a high-qulaity diet and increased fruit and vegetable consumption were all found to be cardioprotective.
The systematically reviewed studies reveal that a high adherence to a Mediterranean type of diet or “prudent diet” is associated with reduced risk of CVD and some types of cancer, even in the elderly. Also dietary intervention strategies can prevent morbidity, premature mortality and improve quality of life in older persons worldwide.