XPrize Names Top 10 Longevity Finalists; Japanese Study Finds Immune Clue in Supercentenarians

A major longevity competition named its top 10 finalists, while a new study found supercentenarians may have an immune system advantage.

People who live past 110 may carry a biological edge: Japanese researchers at Osaka University found that supercentenarians have a higher proportion of rare immune cells called CD4 cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which can destroy infected, abnormal, aging, and cancerous cells. The study, published in the journal Cell Reports, suggests these individuals' immune systems may not simply slow with age but actually adapt to fight threats more effectively. Separately, the XPrize Healthspan competition — a seven-year contest testing the most promising longevity innovations — has named its top 10 finalists. The competition is designed to identify which anti-aging interventions actually work, separating scientifically grounded approaches from speculative ones. Beyond cutting-edge research, longevity experts and fitness professionals are also emphasizing lifestyle factors. Prevention magazine reports that conventional habits — diet, movement, sleep, and social connection — could add up to 15 more healthy years for the average American without extreme interventions. Former professional ballerina Meredith Shumway has attracted attention for a low-impact, high-intensity workout called Formula x Meredith, which she designed with longevity as a central goal. Researchers note that while genetics and biology play a role in exceptional aging, the habits most consistently linked to longevity remain accessible ones: regular physical activity, quality sleep, nutritious eating, and strong social ties.

Why it matters

With global populations aging rapidly, understanding what drives healthy longevity — from immune biology to everyday habits — has broad implications for public health and how societies plan for an older population.

What's next

The XPrize Healthspan competition, now in its finalist stage, will continue over its seven-year timeline to evaluate which longevity interventions prove most effective.

Key facts

• Osaka University researchers found supercentenarians (age 110+) have elevated levels of CD4 cytotoxic T lymphocytes, a rare immune cell type
• The findings were published in the journal Cell Reports
• XPrize Healthspan, a seven-year competition, has named its top 10 finalists testing longevity innovations
• Prevention magazine reports average Americans could gain up to 15 more healthy years through lifestyle changes alone
• Former ballerina Meredith Shumway's low-impact, high-intensity workout Formula x Meredith has gone viral for its longevity focus
• Longevity research consistently highlights diet, exercise, sleep, and social connection as key modifiable factors

Bias & framing notes

The sources cover loosely related longevity topics rather than a single event, making direct comparison difficult. The Times of India piece provides the most substantive scientific reporting, citing a specific study and journal. The Prevention source makes a bold quantitative claim (15 healthy years) without citing a specific study in the available reporting. The NBC News source is essentially promotional coverage of a fitness personality. Time.com offers the most newsworthy discrete event — the XPrize finalists — but without detail on who the finalists are.

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