In healthy older adults, taking aspirin daily does not lower the overall risk of dying over time, because any small benefit from preventing heart problems is canceled out by a higher risk of bleeding...

We analyzed the available evidence on whether aspirin reduces mortality in healthy older adults, and what we’ve found so far suggests that daily aspirin does not lower the overall risk of dying in this group. The single assertion we reviewed indicates that any small potential benefit from preventing heart-related issues is offset by an increased risk of bleeding and other side effects [1]. This means that while aspirin might help reduce the chance of certain cardiovascular events, those gains appear to be balanced out by harms that become more common as people age. The evidence does not show a net improvement in survival. We did not find any studies that contradicted this finding, but we also did not find multiple studies to confirm it in different populations or settings. Because the analysis is based on only one assertion, and no additional studies were included, our understanding remains limited. We cannot say whether this applies to all healthy older adults, or if certain subgroups might still benefit. The risk of bleeding—especially in the stomach or brain—is a known concern with long-term aspirin use, and in people without existing heart disease, that risk may outweigh the benefits. For someone considering aspirin to stay healthy, this suggests that taking it daily may not help them live longer, and could introduce new health risks. If you’re thinking about starting aspirin, it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider who knows your full health picture.