Researchers discovered her gut was as diverse as someone decades younger: rich in beneficial bacteria linked to resilience and longevity. But they also looked at something over which we have more control – the gut microbiome. While our genes play only a small role in shaping our microbiome, diet and lifestyle are far more important. She also followed a largely Mediterranean diet, a pattern of eating consistently linked to gut microbiome diversity and good health. We cannot control every factor, but tending to our gut microbiome is one meaningful step toward lasting health.