The Definition of Health
The definition of health is important. For example, one definition says that health is the state of being free of disease. Another may describe health as a person’s ability to perform all daily tasks with little or no effort. And yet another is that it is an object to be enjoyed. Regardless of the societal norms, the definition of good, healthy, and disease-free living should be broad and flexible. In other words, it should take into account social and environmental factors and be inclusive of people’s individual values.
The definition of health has many facets. It includes social, psychological, and physical resources. It encompasses an individual’s capacity to maintain homeostasis, overcome adverse events, and learn new skills. It also includes a person’s ability to relate to others and be productive. While the term is often associated with physical characteristics, it also encompasses mental and emotional resources. For example, the social and emotional resources of a person are integral to their well-being.
The concept of health is the foundation for daily life. It is a resource for life. It focuses on personal and social capacities and stresses the importance of physical and mental resources. Physical health is the capacity of the human body to maintain homeostasis and recover from adverse events. Mental health is the capacity of the mind to cope with stress, learn new skills, and maintain relationships. These resources, in turn, support a person’s overall well-being.
The WHO defines health in 1948, and its current definition is largely based on the absence of disease. The WHO has proposed that this definition no longer works as it describes health, as it no longer encompasses the social, emotional, and physical capacities of a person. The focus of health should now shift to a person’s ability to adapt to changes in their environment. This means that a person should be capable of managing stress, acquiring skills, and preserving relationships.
In the modern world, health is defined in terms of a person’s physical, mental, and social resources. The ‘complete health’ definition of health is based on the ‘completeness’ of a person. While it may seem to be a desirable state to have, few people will ever reach this state of wellbeing. The ‘complete-health’ definition is also a myth, as few people will ever be totally healthy. In reality, health is more a continuum of disease and functional abilities and capabilities that encompasses the physical, emotional, and social dimensions of a person.
The definition of health differs from community to community. In many cases, health is defined as a person’s ability to be healthy or not. A healthy person will have no disease-free status if he or she is not suffering from an illness. A disease-free person will not suffer from any symptoms and will be able to work with a partner. For some, health means being able to work as an employee, and the concept of health is also a way to communicate with a community.