Healthier Older People have a Microbiome More Like that of Younger People
The research community has amassed a fair amount of evidence to show that the composition of the gut microbiome changes with aging and has some influence over the pace of aging. Consider interactions between gut bacteria and the immune system, and the degree to which it promotes chronic inflammation, for example. Other mechanisms by which our gut microbes influence systems and organs are also being uncovered of late. Just how much the gut microbiome contributes to natural variations in human life span remains an open question: is it on a par with exercise and calorie intake, or a lesser influence? Further, are changes in the gut microbiome a consequence of lifestyle choices or are they a more independent factor? Research attempts to put some bounds to the possible range of answers.
