And while, in some cases, consuming animal protein was ‘modestly’ tied to having fewer physical limitations in later life, plant protein had a stronger, more consistent correlation in this area, and showed promising results when it came to mental health. Even those who didn’t eat meat and got their protein from dairy sources did not see a significant benefit to their health in older age.

These results led the study’s authors to suggest eating more plant-based protein could make a real difference as we age. “Consuming protein in midlife was linked to promoting good health in older adulthood,” said Andres Ardisson Korat, the lead author of the study. “Getting the majority of your protein from plant sources at midlife, plus a small amount of animal protein, seems to be conducive to good health and good survival to older ages.”

Why eating more plant protein could be the key to staying healthy as you age