Compressing Morbidity is a critical public health and clinical goal focused on reducing the duration and severity of illness and disability experienced in the final years of life. In the context of hormonal health, this means optimizing endocrine status to maintain high functional capacity for as long as possible. The objective is to maximize the period of robust health preceding inevitable decline. This concept directly challenges the passive acceptance of age-related functional erosion.
Origin
The term was popularized by Dr. James Fries, relating to the compression of the morbidity curve against the longevity curve. Its relevance in endocrinology underscores the role of hormones, like DHEA or testosterone, in maintaining structural integrity and metabolic efficiency late in life. It signifies a shift from merely extending life to extending healthy life.
Mechanism
This compression is achieved by aggressively managing chronic physiological insults that accelerate aging, such as chronic inflammation or insulin resistance. Optimizing endocrine signaling supports cellular repair processes, enhancing tissue maintenance capabilities. For instance, adequate growth hormone signaling can preserve lean body mass, delaying frailty associated with sarcopenia. Sustained anabolic support is central to this mechanism.
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