Yes, you can! According to a recent study, people, who have increased levels of unique microorganisms in their gut, the gut microbiome, while aging, have more chance to stay healthy and live longer.
The researchers explained that we all have common microorganisms in our gut, primarily Bacteroides bacteria. Starting at the age 40-50, the common Bacteroides bacteria start to deplete and our gut microbiome becomes increasingly unique for every one of us. This process continues till the old days of our life (~79+ years old) if aging healthy. But this doesn’t happen in less healthy aging, where Bacteroides stay dominant and the levels of unique gut microbiome are low.
The researchers observed that the high dominance of Bacteroides in the gut microbiome in older age predicts a decreased survival in the coming 4 years.
Curious? HERE is the source