Health-Promoting Potential of the Mediterranean Diet and Challenges for Its Application in Aging Populations

The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is a lifestyle that involves not only dietary habits, well known for their effectiveness in preventing health risks by supplying well-balanced foods rich in bioactive compounds, but also daily habits that improve the quality of life. Older adults represent a segment of the population that can particularly benefit from this dietary pattern. However, the specific characteristics and needs of older individuals require a critical analysis of aspects that may limit adherence to the MD principles, including physical impairments related to eating, sensory and cultural aspects, accessibility of food sources, and the social context. The objective of this study was to review the potential benefits of the MD in relation to the needs, capacities and eating behaviors of older adults, focusing on the beneficial effects of plant-based food metabolites and their suitability for older adult diets. The results demonstrate how the MD can be tailored to meet the nutritional and functional needs of older adults, supporting healthy aging. Therefore, the Mediterranean lifestyle could be an effective tool in public health policies to promote healthy habits, thereby improving the quality of life in vulnerable population categories.