Why caring for your microbiome is crucial if you want to live to 100

image via New Scientist

September 16, 2025, 4:00 PM

• •The gut microbiome changes with age, with a decrease in beneficial bacteria and an increase in pro-inflammatory ones.
• •Diversity in the gut microbiome is key to health, with centenarians showing gut signatures similar to young people.
• •Dietary changes, prebiotics, and probiotics may help nurture the gut microbiome and promote healthy aging.
• •Faecal microbiota transplants and other radical treatments are being explored for their potential to extend lifespan.

The article explores the crucial role of the gut microbiome in healthy aging, highlighting how our gut bacteria can influence our lifespan and overall well-being. Research indicates that maintaining a diverse and healthy microbiome, similar to that of young people, is associated with longevity. Factors like diet, medication, and social interactions affect the microbiome, but interventions such as prebiotics, probiotics, and dietary changes show promise in promoting a healthier gut. While the field is still developing, manipulating our gut microbes offers exciting possibilities for improving health and extending lifespan.

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