Fig. 1

The composition of gut microbiota determines inflammation and possibly lifespan of elderly people. The lumen and particularly the mucin layer of the intestine of young adults are colonized by a diverse population of commensal microbes that co-exist with the host in a symbiotic relationship. Members of Verrucomicrobia phylum, particularly Akkermansia muciniphila, support gut barrier integrity and thus prevent leakage and subsequent induction of inflammation. In elderly people, the composition of the gut commensals is changed and microbial diversity is reduced due to accumulation of potentially pro-inflammatory commensals and decrease of beneficial microbes, such as members of Verrucomicrobia. It therefore leads to gut leakiness and consequent systemic inflammation that facilitates aging-associated morbidities and premature death. Although the microbiota of centenarians changes, its diversity and beneficial commensals are retained, thereby controlling overt inflammation and supporting healthy aging