Health, a key factor for living life to the fullest, is not only an individual concern but a community concern. It is not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, but a dynamic concept of well-being and a capacity to adapt to a changing environment. It is a concept that encompasses both physical and mental health, as well as social and emotional wellness. It is a process that takes into account personal and environmental factors, including the choices people make.
Many different definitions of health exist, ranging from the narrow biomedical view (absence of negative biologic circumstances such as altered DNA or abnormal physiologic states) to the broad and more inclusive World Health Organization definition, “health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (WHO, 1994). Using either definition in policymaking, research, care delivery, or measurement raises questions about the extent to which those initiatives are focused on what is important for individuals and communities.
A growing body of research is advancing a new concept of health, building on the foundation of the WHO definition: health is the capacity to achieve and maintain a balance of functional abilities, emotional and spiritual well-being, and social connectedness in the context of a changing environment. In addition, health includes the ability to manage stress and to engage in adaptive behaviors. This framework also recognizes the importance of the broader set of social and economic conditions that contribute to healthy individuals and communities, known as the social determinants of health (SDOH).
Developing this concept of health is critical for both promoting health and improving access to healthcare services. This approach allows for a more holistic perspective and emphasizes the importance of engaging in healthy behaviors such as exercising, eating well, and avoiding unhealthy behaviors. It also highlights the value of focusing on community health efforts to improve the overall health and quality of life of all members of the community.
People are often divided into categories based on their levels of health: healthy, unhealthy, and chronically ill. Despite this division, the fact is that all aspects of health are interconnected. This is why it’s important to try to focus on a holistic approach that takes all of these factors into consideration.
The best way to do this is by starting small and making small changes that will have a positive impact on your health. BJ Fogg, author of Tiny Habits, recommends taking it slow so that your changes become a part of your routine rather than a stressful project. For more tips on how to do this, watch our Pearl Habits webinar with Linda Fogg-Phillips.
This Commentary was developed by the Ohio State University Nisonger Center for Disability Research through a Rehabilitation Research and Training Center grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90RTHF0002-01-000). For more information, visit www.osu.edu/nisonger. This article was originally published on March 24, 2022 and has since been updated.