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Financing LongevityCompression of Morbidity: In Retrospect and in ProspectIn “Compression of Morbidity: In Retrospect and In Prospect,” an International Longevity Center/Alliance for Health & the Future issue brief, Dr. James F. Fries discusses how his innovative theory—proposed in 1980—predicted the current state of aging 25 years in advance. Dr. Fries’ hypothesis, which is dubbed “Compression of Morbidity” and is widely considered to accurately characterize the state of aging, claims that as life expectancy increases there is no corresponding increase in the number of years spent disabled or suffering from chronic illness. In other words, people are living longer and are enjoying active lives longer. “By minimizing the number of years people suffer from chronic illness, we enable older people to live more successful, productive lives which benefit themselves and society. When we consider healthcare reform and new approaches to structuring health care systems, we must recognize that by avoiding long-term periods of morbidity we reduce healthcare costs and improve the lives of patients at the same time,” says Dr. Fries. A Universally Accepted Model for Healthy Aging and LongevityIn 1980, the concept was heavily criticized with detractors asserting that the hypothesis was overly optimistic and only achievable under ideal circumstances. Twenty-five years after its conception, it serves as a universally accepted model for healthy aging and longevity. According to ILC-USA President & CEO Dr. Robert Butler, the changing perception about compression of morbidity is a direct result of evidence and fact overtaking fear and skepticism. To learn more, click on our Related Links, below. Back
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