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Deakin research has revealed that older adults can reduce their risk of depression by eating a healthy diet and that the benefits were evident regardless of a genetic predisposition to depression or existing low-grade inflammation.

The study from Deakin's Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, published in Molecular Psychiatry, showed adults 70 and older can benefit from reducing ultraprocessed food (UPF) intake and can further reduce depression risk with an anti-inflammatory diet.

Lead author and Ph.D. candidate Belayneh Mengist Miteku said the findings suggest the potential protective role of a high-quality diet may be broadly applicable across diverse biological risk profiles in older adults.

"We know healthy aging is a real issue right now, as people live longer and face increasing health challenges."

"Preventing late-life depression not only means a better quality of life for the individual but also has a positive ripple effect on loved ones, their community and the broader health system," said Miteku, a graduate researcher.

The study, undertaken in collaboration with Monash University and international partners, followed 7,220 adults 70 or older for a median of 5.7 years and found two related associations:

UPFs are the most processed food group, typically characterized by high energy content and poor nutritional profiles. They include mass-produced, highly refined products, sugar-sweetened beverages and packaged or ready-made meals.

An anti-inflammatory dietary pattern emphasizes a high intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish and olive oil.

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