The medical community has presented findings on both the pros and cons of eating a diet high in animal protein as of late. But now, researchers publishing in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society suggest consuming a diet high in animal protein could help older men function at higher physical, psychological and social levels.

In the great animal protein debate, another series of studies recently suggested that consuming too much protein in middle age is “as bad as smoking” and recommended consuming low protein levels for a long and healthy life.

Another study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggested that eating grilled meat increases risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

But investigators from this latest study say recent research indicates that aging could reduce the ability of the body to absorb or process proteins. They say this could mean our requirement for protein increases with age.

With increasing life expectancies in certain countries, the team notes that higher numbers of older people are living with functional decline, which includes deteriorating cognitive ability and capacity to carry out daily activities.

Aside from the emotional impact this can have on individuals, the researchers say increasing functional decline can also impact the economies of these countries.

As a result, the team, led by Megumi Tsubota-Utsugi of the National Institute of Health and Nutrition in Japan, looked at whether intake of protein could affect the functional ability of elderly men and women.