Gut testing: The new biological age test for longevity seekers

Counting birthdays is meaningless if our bodies are aging poorly.

- Max Kushnir Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Sova Health

The real race in longevity isn't about more candles on the cake; it’s about keeping our biology younger than the calendar suggests. DNA methylation clocks may have stolen the spotlight, but they are only part of the story. If you ignore the gut, you're missing one of the most powerful predictors of how well and how long you'll live.

The microbial signature of long life

The gut is home to trillions of bacteria and other microbes, and growing evidence shows these communities play a critical role in healthy aging. It’s no coincidence that many people who live past 90 share a microbial fingerprint. Longevity isn’t just written in your genes; it’s cultivated daily in your gut. For example, several studies have revealed that longlived adults tend to have higher levels of Akkermansia microbes linked to gut health and possibly protective against age-related diseases. In one study, these bacteria were also tied to better physical function, including stronger grip strength and improved mobility in older adults.