The New Science of Healthy Aging and Resilience from the Microbiome

I’ve had a recent influx of older clients after treating clients who want their parents to feel the same benefits they are. I love working with families and knowing my clients support each other at home and during times of celebration, which can be oh-so hard.

We already knew that with aging we can anticipate a reduction in digestive secretions, especially gastric acid, even before that ubiquitous Losec prescription! Low HCL will have impacts on how we protect the balance of our microbiome in the large intestine, but it can have even more immediate effects on the ability to absorb protein, iron, magnesium, calcium and B12.

But with this increase in clients over 65 I’ve had to upskill. Recent research has unveiled fascinating insights into the relationship between the microbiome and aging. Here’s a rundown of what I’m finding.

1. Gut Microbiome and Healthy Aging: A study published in ‘Nature Communications’ highlights the role of gut bacteria in promoting healthy aging. Researchers found that aging is associated with a decline in gut bacterial diversity, particularly the loss of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, which produces butyrate—a compound essential for gut health and reducing inflammation, including neuroinflammation. This is huge when we think about mental health in our elderly.

2. Microbiome as a Mortality Marker: Research from Flinders University suggests that the throat microbiome could serve as a marker for health vulnerability in older adults. For instance, the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in aged care residents was linked to a significantly higher mortality risk, indicating that microbial markers might predict overall health decline. Do not underestimate the role dental hygiene plays in your microbiome. This is a big one when you factor in dentures, implants, historic root canals and gingivitis.

3. Microbiome and Biomolecular Shifts: A Stanford Medicine study revealed that the microbiome undergoes dramatic changes during specific life stages, particularly in the mid-40s and early 60s. These shifts are linked to changes in molecules associated with cardiovascular and immune health, suggesting that the microbiome plays a role in age-related health transitions. It’s early days in our understanding of all that this means, but I see it echoed in the clinic with both my perimenopausal clients and those approaching retirement with their eye on the horizon for new adventures and suddenly finding they have big changes in their gut health.

4. Skin Microbiome and Aging: Research has also explored the skin microbiome's role in aging. A study found that greater diversity in the skin microbiome correlates with fewer wrinkles and better skin health, opening avenues for targeted skincare interventions. I’ve been prescribing a new topical Biome Balancing Serum in my clients with serious skin conditions. I have begun adding it to my own routine after reading all the research into sun spots and wrinkles this particular formula has behind it.

These findings underscore the microbiome's potential as a target for interventions aimed at promoting healthy aging and mitigating age-related diseases. If you or a parent wants to optimise your digestive function, the diversity of your microbiome or discuss the changes they’re noticing in their health make an appointment today.