Microbiome Age

We’re studying the microbiome after 60—what changes, and why it matters.

Your participation could help us understand the key microbiome changes that occur later in life.

Recruitment is ongoing from May 2025 until November 2025.

For adults aged 60+ (see criteria)

United States and Canada

By Kimberley Sukhum, PhD

As we age, our gut microbiome—the trillions of bacteria residing in our digestive tract—experiences notable shifts.

These changes can lead to decreased microbial diversity and an increase in pro-inflammatory bacteria, potentially contributing to age-related health issues such as weakened immunity, metabolic disorders, and cognitive decline. While both men and women experience shifts in microbial composition as they age, for women, the transition into postmenopause brings hormonal changes that can further impact the gut microbiome.

In postmenopausal women, declining estrogen levels lead to a reduction in Lactobacillus species, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy vaginal environment. This decrease is associated with increased microbial diversity and a higher vaginal pH, creating conditions that may promote inflammation and elevate the risk of infections.

Understanding these transformations is crucial, as both the gut and vaginal microbiome play pivotal roles in maintaining overall health and well-being in older adults. By studying these microbial environments in individuals over 60, we aim to uncover insights that could lead to interventions promoting healthier aging.

Help to advance research on microbiome factors that affect lifespan.

Get gut or vaginal microbiome testing at a discount and gain personalized insights into how your microbiome changes with age. By participating, you'll help us uncover how the microbiome supports healthy aging and longevity in adults aged 60 or better.

Am I eligible to participate?

Inclusion criteria

• Adults are qualified for this study if they are at least 60 years old at the time of purchase.
• Participants must be residents of the United States or Canada

Exclusion criteria

• None

Why subscribe to Tiny Health?

Track your baby's microbiome development over time

You can learn the most about your baby’s health and protect against chronic conditions by tracking changes on their gut health over their first 1000 days.

We recommend testing at 7 days old, and every 3 months until your baby is 18 months old.

A Tiny Health subscription gets you:

• Exclusive $30 discount off each test kit
• Your kits delivered when you need them
• Enter your payment details only once
• Pay only when the tests are shipped
• Free shipping
• Skip or cancel anytime

Help to advance research on the microbiome factors that affect longevity.

Gut Health Test

$149

• 1x Mess-free gut microbiome stool test to further understand how gut health relates to aging & longevity.
• Track essential bacteria that support metabolic health and fight inflammation.
• Gut Health Report with personalized recommendations (delivered in 3-4 weeks).

Vaginal Health Test

$149

• 1x vaginal microbiome health test.
• Vaginal community composition to assess vaginal health.
• Vaginal health report with personalized recommendations (delivered in 3-4 weeks).

How to join the study

If you are interested, please contact us at [Insert contact details]

About Tiny Health

Tiny Health helps you to optimize your health from within

Tiny Health offers microbiome testing for every stage of life, from womb through adulthood. Tiny Health gives individuals personalized insights and evidence-based recommendations to improve lifelong health from the inside out.

Tiny Health’s mission is to improve health outcomes of future generations through evidence-based insights.

How does the Research Edition work?

Purchase the kit(s), take your sample, and complete the surveys.

Complete the qualification survey via the button on this page. Interested individuals will provide information including age and contact email.

If you qualify for the discounted kit(s), you will receive a link to purchase a Tiny Health Gut or Vaginal Health Test at a discount.

Gut or vaginal samples can be taken at home by using our swab method. Samples will be mailed in using a prepaid envelope provided with the kit.

You will fill out health history and sample surveys upon sampling.

Processed in a CLIA-certified lab and using proprietary technology, Tiny Health’s gut and vaginal health tests provide strain-level precision and a complete list of all microbes in the gut and vaginal microbiome including bacteria, fungi, virus, parasites, and archaea. Results will take 3-4 weeks to arrive.

How do we look at the microbiome?

High resolution analysis

We use shotgun metagenomics, a technology used in microbiome research. Make informed decisions with a comprehensive list of microbes found in your sample.

Functional insights

Through functional profiling, we tell you what microbes are present, how much of them are there, and what they’re actually doing.

Targeted suggestions

Get actionable advice tailored to your age and unique test results. Our at-home tests empower you with strain-level detail and precision science.

Your privacy comes first

We are dedicated to safeguarding your personal information at every turn and we will never sell your personal information. Your data is encrypted with high security standards to ensure complete confidentiality.

CLIA & CAP certified lab

Your samples are processed at a U.S. clinical-grade lab to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of test results.

Interested? Join this study

If you are interested, please complete the survey. Qualified individuals will be contacted by the study coordinator to provide consent and enroll in the study.