Longer Gaps Between Meals May Raise Chronic Disease Concerns for Older Adults, Study Suggests

New research suggests that adults over 60 who regularly go more than 12 hours between meals may experience faster accumulation of chronic diseases. Here is what the study found.

Longer Meal Gaps Could Be Important for People Over 60

Meal timing has become an increasingly popular topic in nutrition, particularly with the growing interest in intermittent fasting and other eating patterns that involve longer periods without food. However, new research suggests that what may work for younger adults does not necessarily have the same implications for older people.

A study involving thousands of adults aged 60 and above found an association between longer periods without eating and a faster accumulation of chronic diseases over time. The relationship appeared particularly noticeable among people aged 78 and older.

The findings do not prove that going without food for more than 12 hours directly causes chronic illnesses. Instead, they highlight the need for more research into how meal timing may affect health as people age.

What Did the Study Find?

Researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm examined health and lifestyle information from 2,981 adults aged 60 or older. Participants were followed over a period of approximately 15 years.

The researchers looked at the amount of time participants typically went between meals and compared this with the development of multiple chronic conditions.

According to the findings reported by The Sun, people who had intervals of more than 12 hours between meals were associated with a faster accumulation of chronic diseases compared with those who had shorter gaps.

The association was strongest among the oldest participants, particularly people aged 78 and above.

The research also suggested that meal timing was associated with certain heart, lung and brain-related diseases. However, the researchers did not find the same relationship with musculoskeletal disorders.

These findings are important because much of the existing research into fasting and time-restricted eating has focused on younger or middle-aged populations.

Why Could Meal Timing Matter as We Age?

Ageing brings changes to metabolism, appetite, muscle mass and the body's ability to maintain energy balance. Older adults may also have different nutritional requirements compared with younger people.

Some older people naturally eat less because of changes in appetite, dental problems, medication, reduced mobility or other lifestyle factors. For someone already struggling to consume enough calories or protein, deliberately extending the time between meals could make it harder to meet nutritional needs.

Regular meals can also provide opportunities to consume important nutrients, including protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals.

That does not mean everyone over 60 needs to eat at fixed intervals or avoid fasting completely. Individual nutritional needs can vary considerably, particularly for people with existing health conditions or those taking medication.

The Difference Between Association and Cause

One of the most important points from the research is that the study cannot demonstrate cause and effect.

In other words, the results do not establish that eating less frequently directly causes chronic disease.

There may be other factors involved. People who naturally leave longer periods between meals could differ from other participants in areas such as physical activity, overall diet, socioeconomic circumstances, existing health problems or medication use.

It is also possible that some people with existing health problems changed their eating patterns as a result of their health, rather than their eating pattern causing the condition.

The researchers therefore described the findings as an association rather than proof that longer fasting periods are harmful.

This distinction is particularly important when interpreting nutrition studies. A single observational study should not automatically be treated as evidence that one eating pattern is either safe or dangerous for everyone.

Should Older Adults Avoid Intermittent Fasting?

The research does not provide enough evidence to say that every person over 60 should stop fasting.

Intermittent fasting can take many forms. Some people restrict their eating to a particular daily window, while others follow different schedules. The length of the fasting period, the quality of the food consumed and an individual's overall health can all make a difference.

For older adults, the priority should generally be maintaining a balanced diet and getting enough essential nutrients.

Protein is particularly important because maintaining muscle becomes increasingly challenging with age. Meals containing sources of protein, vegetables, whole grains, fruit and other nutrient-dense foods can help support a balanced dietary pattern.

Anyone considering a significant change to their eating schedule should consider discussing it with a doctor, dietitian or another qualified healthcare professional, especially if they have a medical condition or take regular medication.

What Can Older Adults Do Instead?

Rather than focusing solely on how long they can go without food, older adults may benefit from paying attention to the overall quality and consistency of their diet.

Eating regular, balanced meals can make it easier to obtain sufficient protein and other nutrients throughout the day. Staying hydrated is also important.

People who frequently skip meals without intending to may want to consider why this is happening. A reduced appetite, difficulty preparing food, swallowing problems or other changes in eating habits can sometimes require professional attention.

Family members and carers can also play a useful role by noticing significant changes in an older person's appetite or eating routine.

More Research Is Needed

The new findings add another perspective to the ongoing debate about fasting and healthy ageing.

Dr Adrián Carballo-Casla, quoted in the original report, noted that much fasting research has focused on younger and middle-aged populations. The study suggests that the relationship between meal timing and health could be different in older adults, particularly among the oldest age groups.

However, further research is needed to understand why longer meal intervals were associated with faster disease accumulation and whether changing meal timing could actually alter health outcomes.

For now, the study should be viewed as a reason for further investigation rather than a definitive warning against fasting.

The Bottom Line

For adults over 60, particularly those in their late 70s and beyond, meal timing may deserve more attention than previously thought.

Research involving 2,981 older adults found that spending more than 12 hours between meals was associated with faster accumulation of chronic diseases over a long follow-up period. The strongest association was observed among participants aged 78 and older.

However, the study does not prove that longer gaps between meals cause chronic disease. More research is needed before firm recommendations can be made.

Older adults should therefore focus on maintaining adequate nutrition, eating a varied and balanced diet and discussing major dietary changes with a healthcare professional when appropriate.

Source: The Sun, report published August 20, 2026.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. The study discussed here shows an association and does not establish that longer periods between meals directly cause chronic disease. Dietary needs vary from person to person. Older adults, particularly those with medical conditions or who take prescription medicines, should speak with a qualified healthcare professional before making significant changes to their eating pattern.