Moderate Amounts of Alcohol, Coffee, Could Be Key to Living Longer Lives

Go ahead and have another cup of coffee - it may just extend your life. 

At least, that's according to the researchers at the UC Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders who found in a study that people who drink moderate amounts of alcohol or coffee can increase their chances of living longer lives.

The study, which began in 2003, looked at the "oldest-old" - the fastest growing demographic in the United States and see what makes people live past 90. The study's lead author, Claudia Kawas and her team looked at 1,800 nonagenarians in an attempt to better understand why people live as long as they do. 

UCI researchers examined participants who reported drinking moderate amounts of alcohol or coffee and those who abstained from the drinks. They found that those who consumed around two glasses of wine or other types of alcohol reduced the chances of an early death by 18 percent vs those who abstained from the drinks. A

What's more, researchers also found people who were overweight in their 70s and drank coffee and alcohol in moderation lived longer than normal or underweight people did. 

The study also found that 40% of people aged 90 and older suffer from dementia while almost 80% are disabled. Both are more common in women than men.

The study is on-going and looking for more participants. Those interested can call (949) 768-3635 or study90@uci.edu for more information.