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Compression of morbidity by interventions that steepen the survival curve

Author

Listed:
  • Yifan Yang

    (Weizmann Institute of Science
    Westlake University)

  • Avi Mayo

    (Weizmann Institute of Science)

  • Tomer Levy

    (Weizmann Institute of Science)

  • Naveh Raz

    (Weizmann Institute of Science)

  • Ben Shenhar

    (Weizmann Institute of Science)

  • Daniel F. Jarosz

    (Stanford University School of Medicine
    Stanford University School of Medicine)

  • Uri Alon

    (Weizmann Institute of Science)

Abstract

Longevity research aims to extend the healthspan while minimizing the duration of disability and morbidity, known as the sickspan. Most longevity interventions in model organisms extend healthspan, but it is not known whether they compress sickspan relative to the lifespan. Here, we present a theory that predicts which interventions compress relative sickspan, based on the shape of the survival curve. Interventions such as caloric restriction that extend mean lifespan while preserving the shape of the survival curve, are predicted to extend the sickspan proportionally, without compressing it. Conversely, a subset of interventions that extend lifespan and steepen the shape of the survival curve are predicted to compress the relative sickspan. We explain this based on the saturating-removal mathematical model of aging, and present evidence from longitudinal health data in mice, Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster. We apply this theory to identify potential interventions for compressing the sickspan in mice, and to combinations of longevity interventions. This approach offers potential strategies for compressing morbidity and extending healthspan.

Suggested Citation

  • Yifan Yang & Avi Mayo & Tomer Levy & Naveh Raz & Ben Shenhar & Daniel F. Jarosz & Uri Alon, 2025. "Compression of morbidity by interventions that steepen the survival curve," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57807-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57807-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yifan Yang & Avi Mayo & Tomer Levy & Naveh Raz & Ben Shenhar & Daniel F. Jarosz & Uri Alon, 2025. "Compression of morbidity by interventions that steepen the survival curve," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
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    1. Yifan Yang & Avi Mayo & Tomer Levy & Naveh Raz & Ben Shenhar & Daniel F. Jarosz & Uri Alon, 2025. "Compression of morbidity by interventions that steepen the survival curve," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.

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