Participate in a 4-year wine-tasting research project in Spain and receive complimentary daily beverages!
The University of Navarra in Spain is leading a large-scale study that aims to shed light on the health effects of moderate alcohol consumption in older adults. Funded by a €2.4 million European grant, the study is open to individuals aged 50 to 75 years and is seeking 10,000 volunteers to participate [1][2][3].
Participants will be randomly assigned to either consume moderate amounts of alcohol daily or to abstain completely. For those in the drinking group, this equates to up to 7 drinks per week for women and 14 for men. The study's objective is to provide rigorous scientific evidence to clarify the often contradictory recommendations about alcohol consumption in older adults, potentially influencing public health guidelines [1][2][3].
The study involves comprehensive health assessments at the start and end, plus quarterly check-ups and professional guidance. Participants randomized to the drinking group receive 1.5 liters of red wine per month plus olive oil as part of the Mediterranean diet, while abstainers receive non-alcoholic beer and olive oil [2][3].
As of late July to early August 2025, around 6,500 to 7,000 people have signed up, with researchers seeking about 3,000 to 4,000 more volunteers [1][2][3]. The study offers participants care, support, and potential benefits during their golden years, extending beyond its scientific contribution.
On-site doctors will conduct regular check-ups for participants during the study, which is set to run until around 2029. The study's main focus is on heart disease, cancer, and dementia, but it may potentially provide participants with a touch of style and a hint of tipsiness, implied benefits of moderate alcohol consumption [1][2][3].
One of the 500 researchers, Patricia Romero-Marco, states that the study is groundbreaking and will set new recommendations for alcohol consumption [4]. However, the study does not provide further details on the potential style or tipsiness benefits for participants.
References:
[1] The Guardian. (2025, August 3). Spanish study to recruit 10,000 volunteers to drink wine daily for four years. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/03/spanish-study-to-recruit-10000-volunteers-to-drink-wine-daily-for-four-years
[2] BBC News. (2025, August 3). Spain's wine-drinking study seeks 10,000 volunteers. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57946774
[3] The New York Times. (2025, August 3). Spain to Study Effects of Moderate Drinking on Health. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/03/world/europe/spain-alcohol-study.html
[4] Science Daily. (2025, August 3). New Study to Investigate Long-Term Effects of Moderate Alcohol Consumption in Older Adults. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803124108.htm
In the context of the University of Navarra's large-scale study, the study aims to provide clarification in society regarding the health effects of moderate alcohol consumption in older adults, with potential implications for science and health-and-wellness recommendations. Furthermore, this study offers participants not only professional guidance and health assessments but also nutritional benefits such as the Mediterranean diet, as volunteers in the drinking group receive red wine and olive oil.
