Drinking a daily cup of coffee may do more than provide a morning pick-me-up—it could help women stay mentally sharp and physically robust as they age, according to a landmark 30-year study that followed nearly 50,000 women in their midlife years. The research, which stands out for its unprecedented scale and scope, found that women who consumed regular, caffeinated coffee were significantly more likely to age without developing serious diseases, cognitive decline, depression, or physical frailty. This discovery offers fresh hope to coffee lovers in Thailand and beyond, while also urging a more nuanced look at the relationship between genetics and nutrition as Thais seek to promote healthy aging in an era of rapid demographic change.
The study, conducted by scientists at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and set to be presented at the NUTRITION 2025 conference, examined the coffee and caffeine habits of women aged 45 to 60, tracking their health outcomes over three decades. At the end of the follow-up, 3,706 women had reached age 70 without developing major illnesses or suffering significant physical or mental decline. Analysis revealed that most of these women drank about 315 milligrams of caffeine daily—roughly equivalent to three small cups of coffee. Importantly, the study found that neither tea, soda, nor decaffeinated coffee was associated with the same positive outcomes. In fact, each extra small cup of regular coffee increased the chances of “healthy aging” by 2% to 5%, with benefits plateauing at around five cups per day—about two and a half large mugs commonly found in modern coffee shops (Earth.com).
Lead author Dr. Sara Mahdavi, a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard and adjunct professor at the University of Toronto, underscored the groundbreaking nature of the research: “While past studies have linked coffee to individual health outcomes, our study is the first to assess coffee’s impact across multiple domains of aging over three decades.” She identified caffeinated coffee as uniquely supportive of aging trajectories that preserve both mental and physical function. This stands in contrast to previous investigations, which often focused on a single health outcome, such as Alzheimer’s disease or cardiovascular risk. As Dr. Mahdavi explained, the complex blend of hundreds of bioactive compounds in coffee—beyond caffeine itself—may contribute to these health benefits, although more research is needed to pinpoint exactly which substances are responsible (TIME report).
The relationship between caffeine and health proved even more nuanced in a companion genetic study led by Dr. Mahdavi’s team in Italy. By tracking over 600 young adults with early signs of high blood pressure, the researchers found that the impact of coffee on kidney health was strongly influenced by genetic makeup. Specifically, people with certain versions of the CYP1A2 gene break down caffeine slowly, putting them at risk for kidney problems and hypertension if they habitually drank three or more cups of coffee a day. In contrast, those with genes for faster caffeine metabolism experienced no added risks (JAMA Network Open). This insight highlights the importance of personalized nutrition, a field gaining traction in both Western and Asian health circles.
For Thailand—where coffee culture is booming among younger and middle-aged populations, and demographic projections show one of Asia’s fastest-aging societies—these findings carry particular weight. Over the past decade, Thais have embraced both traditional Thai coffee and international coffeehouse culture, with consumption rising steadily (Bangkok Post: Surging Coffee Culture). At the same time, public health authorities are working to promote healthy, independent aging as the number of seniors grows rapidly (WHO Thailand: Ageing and Health). The new research provides locally relevant insights, suggesting that moderate, regular intake of caffeinated coffee—within a balanced lifestyle—may help Thai women bolster both their minds and bodies well into older age.
Yet, experts warn against seeing coffee as a miracle cure. Dr. Mahdavi emphasized, “The benefits from coffee are relatively modest compared to the impact of overall healthy lifestyle habits and warrant further investigation.” Her team notes that diet, physical activity, not smoking, and other daily habits appear to have a greater cumulative effect on healthy aging than any single food or drink. It’s a sentiment echoed by Thai gerontology specialists, who regularly advocate for holistic approaches to maintaining health in later life. “Our elders need more than one strategy; diet, movement, mental stimulation, and community engagement all play vital roles in healthy aging,” explained a Thai public health official during a recent seminar on senior well-being.
One intriguing aspect for Thai readers is the difference between coffee and tea in aging outcomes. Tea—long celebrated as a daily staple and health beverage in Thai culture—did not confer the same benefits as coffee in the American study. This may be due to lower caffeine content or differences in the molecular makeup of each beverage; green and black teas have their own suite of antioxidants that may benefit other aspects of health, though not apparently in the same way as caffeinated coffee when it comes to cognitive and physical function in women (AOL News; HuffPost). Nonetheless, experts stress that beverages like tea can still have a place in a balanced diet.
Looking to the future, the Harvard-led research team plans to investigate how the chemicals in coffee interact with genes and aging pathways to refine recommendations further—potentially opening the door to personalized dietary advice based on genetic profiles. With advances in genetic testing slowly becoming more affordable and accessible in Asia, it may not be long before Thais can tailor their coffee and caffeine intake to best support their personal health trajectories.
While the study used American and Italian cohorts, its lessons resonate for Thailand’s urban and rural populations alike, where daily rituals around coffee are woven into work and social life. With Thai coffee shops now offering a variety of global brewing styles alongside local “Oliang” iced coffee, consumers can choose their favorite cup—but should do so with moderation and self-awareness. The research suggests that up to three cups a day is both safe and potentially beneficial for most people, but some may need to adjust their intake if they suspect sensitivity to caffeine or have a family history of kidney or cardiovascular disease.
Practical recommendations for Thais include consulting with healthcare professionals about caffeine intake, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions or a history of high blood pressure. Where possible, individuals may wish to seek genetic counseling if they experience unusual reactions to caffeine, such as sleep disturbances or palpitations, as these may be signs of slower caffeine metabolism. For everyone, the message is clear: daily habits—like moving the body, eating nourishing meals, and enjoying a moderate cup of coffee—can add up to significant health benefits later in life.
Rather than relying solely on coffee’s modest contributions, Thai readers should focus on maintaining a holistic approach to healthy aging. This means integrating regular exercise, balanced nutrition emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and maintaining active family and community connections—core values in Thai society. As the nation continues to address the challenges of population aging, integrating scientific research into culturally relevant health guidance will be essential.
The new findings on coffee and aging come at a moment when global science is increasingly emphasizing “precision health”—matching lifestyles and health interventions to individual genetic, environmental, and cultural backgrounds. For Thailand, this means adapting international research to the local context, embracing both tradition and innovation. In short: savor your coffee, but strive for balanced health in all areas of life.
Key sources referenced for this report include the original Earth.com article, peer-reviewed summaries in TIME, The Independent, JAMA Network Open, and local context from the Bangkok Post and WHO.