Compression of Morbidity

Compression of morbidity refers to the concept of reducing the period of illness, disability, and functional impairment toward the end of life. Rather than extending lifespan with prolonged disease, compression of morbidity aims to maintain health and function until late life, followed by a relatively short period of decline. This concept is central to healthy aging and longevity science. Compression of morbidity depends on delaying onset of chronic diseases and slowing functional deterioration. Biological aging processes strongly influence whether morbidity is compressed or extended. Achieving compression of morbidity reduces healthcare burden, improves quality of life, and supports independence in older adults. Research in this area focuses on interventions that preserve physiological resilience, metabolic balance, and cognitive function across the lifespan. Compression of morbidity reframes aging success in terms of quality rather than duration alone.