Mixed

Adherence to the principles of the traditional Mediterranean diet is associated with lower overall mortality and longer survival in elderly populations, regardless of ethnic origin.

For elderly adults, adopting the core components of a Mediterranean diet—high intake of vegetables, legumes, cereals, fruits, and monounsaturated fats, with moderate ethanol and low meat/dairy—is associated with a significant reduction in overall mortality. This benefit appears transferable across different ethnic backgrounds, suggesting that focusing on these food group principles is more important than adhering to a specific cultural cuisine.