Eating together and health and well-being among older adults: a longitudinal outcome-wide analysis

Abstract Background Eating together has been associated with positive outcomes in older adults, such as better dietary habits and greater happiness. However, its broader impact on health and well-being remains unclear, particularly regarding whether higher frequencies are always better. Methods We used data (2016, 2019, 2022) from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES), a nationwide longitudinal study of functionally independent adults aged 65+ years. Frequency of eating together was assessed in 2019 and categorized into five groups: eating alone (reference), a few times/year, a few times/month, a few times/week, and every day. In 2022, we assessed 40 outcomes across seven domains: (1) happiness and life satisfaction, (2) mental and physical health, (3) meaning and purpose, (4) character and virtue, (5) close social relationships, (6) health behaviors, and (7) cognitive/social capital. We analyzed a cohort dataset of 56,153 participants and a panel dataset of 41,758. Regressions (linear, modified Poisson, or logistic) were used based on outcome type, adjusting for 2016 covariates and prior outcome values. Bonferroni correction (p = 0.00125; 0.05/40) was applied. Results Compared to eating alone, eating together was generally associated with better health and well-being outcomes across seven domains, with significant associations observed for 28 of the 40 outcomes assessed (70.0%). These associations were evident even at low frequencies, such as a few times/year (e.g., mortality), and more consistently at frequencies of a few times/month or more-particularly in outcomes related to mental health (e.g., depressive symptoms) and social relationships (e.g., frequency of meeting friends). Conclusions Eating together is associated with a wide range of health and well-being benefits in later life. Promoting opportunities for older adults to engage in eating together-even occasionally-may represent a practical and effective strategy to support healthy aging. Key messages • Eating together is positively associated with better health and well-being in older adults. • Even infrequent eating together is beneficial, with more consistent associations observed at frequencies of a few times/month or more.