Elderly people who follow a Mediterranean-style of eating, rich in vegetables, fruits, fish and shellfish, with some good fats like those found in olive oil and low levels of the "bad" fats found in meats and dairy, are likely to live 2-3 years longer than those who don't, according major Swedish study.

The study was based on data from a Swedish research effort that has gone on for more than 40 years, and included thousands of 70-year-olds.

This is certainly not the first study to show a link between eating a Mediterranean diet and living a longer life. A 10-year study published earlier this year in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that men ages 55 to 69 who abide by a Mediterranean diet are likely to live eight years long. For women, the extended life expectancy is even higher, at up to 15 years.

The Swedish study was published in AGE (read more). Age is a scientific journal focused on the biology of aging and research on biomedical applications that impact aging.