What's the Fuss about Compression of Mortality?

The authors examine some implications of current trends in life expectancy and morbidity in developed countries such as the United States. In particular they "demonstrate empirically that there is as yet no clear evidence supporting the idea of compression of mortality in either human populations or in experimental animal models; discuss statistical and mathematical modeling issues--including open research problems pertaining to the measurement of compression of mortality morbidity and disability; [and] relate debates about compression to population forecasting and health policy agendas." (EXCERPT)