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ATO Health

Written by Dr. Sarah Mitchell, RD, PhD, Registered Dietitian & Nutritional Scientist

Medically Reviewed by Dr. James Chen, MD, Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physician

Last updated: March 2026 • Evidence-based content

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Caloric Restriction and Longevity: Should Adults Over 50 Try It?

In an age where the pursuit of longevity and an extended healthspan is paramount, many are exploring various strategies to enhance their healthy years. Among these, **caloric restriction (CR)** stands out as a scientifically investigated intervention. This dietary approach, involving a consistent reduction in calorie intake without malnutrition, has shown remarkable effects in animal studies. This raises a crucial question for an aging population: Should adults over 50 consider caloric restriction to potentially slow aging and improve health? This article will explore the science, benefits, risks, and practical considerations of CR, offering insights tailored for individuals in their golden years.

References

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  2. Ravussin, E., Redman, L. M., Rochon, J., Das, S. K., Handu, D., Miller, C. P., ... & CALERIE Study Group. (2019). A 2-Year Randomized Controlled Trial of Calorie Restriction in Healthy, Non-Obese Adults: The CALERIE Study. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 74(1), 105–112. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29788104/
  3. National Institute on Aging. (2023, December 28). Cutting calories may slow the pace of aging in healthy adults. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/cutting-calories-may-slow-pace-aging-healthy-adults
  4. NIH. (2023, October 13). Calorie restriction in humans builds strong muscle and stimulates healthy aging genes. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/calorie-restriction-humans-builds-strong-muscle-stimulates-healthy-aging-genes
  5. Nature. (2024, October 9). Dietary restriction impacts health and lifespan of genetically diverse mice. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08026-3
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