A new step has been taken in the quest for ways to make ageing better and healthier. The XPRIZE Healthspan competition challenges researchers to come up with the best possible methods to treat the signs of ageing. This is done by comparing various techniques based on clear tests.
An important point of attention is that there is as yet no good, universal definition of what ‘getting older’ precisely entails at a health level. That makes it difficult to determine which new treatments genuinely have an effect. Therefore, the competition focuses on three measurable aspects of health: muscle strength, cognitive ability, and the immune system. These are areas where standard tests exist and where improvement can be readily established.
The XPRIZE competition thereby brings a much-needed touch to research into aging processes. Often, studies now focus on methods that are not much better than healthy lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise. Through a competitive format and clear criteria, more reliable results emerge about what actually helps.
For people who are growing older and want to stay healthy, this development offers hope. It means that better treatments may soon be available that slow down the ageing process and improve the quality of life.
Source: Reason
