The term health has a complex and varied meaning. One of the earliest definitions was used in 1948 by the World Health Organization (WHO). This statement defined health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This definition has been broadly accepted and influential for decades. However, recent concerns about the suitability of this concept for contemporary research and understanding have prompted many researchers to call for revisions.
The issue is complicated by the fact that the definition of health is subjective, and therefore a concept that can be perceived very differently by different people. This is evident when people search for online information about the topic. Many of the ideas that are found online can be viewed as new and appealing, but they often represent refurbished historical concepts that have been adapted to modern life by a range of actors.
Some people prefer to frame health as a resource for participation and functioning. They believe that it is essential to consider the experiential elements of health, eg pain or low mood, as these influence an individual’s ability to participate in society. They also argue that the societal factors that determine health should be included in policy and practice.
Other people prefer to frame health as an enduring capacity to adapt. This approach recognizes that health is a dynamic process, and the need to adapt to changing circumstances throughout life. It is based on the belief that the quality of health at any point in time depends on personal and environmental factors. This definition reflects the idea that individuals have some level of control over their health, but that it is difficult to achieve without support from others.
Both of these perspectives have important strengths and drawbacks. A proponent of the former risks reducing health to an overly functional phenomenon that ignores the importance of having a sense of purpose or of being part of a meaningful community. A proponent of the latter risks reducing health to a product that can be bought and sold, and may therefore feed into a narrative of ‘othering’.
There is a need for all of us to find common ground and work together, in order to create a vision for global health that enables all human beings to enjoy their full potential and live with dignity and equity. This requires a holistic approach that combines the perspectives of all stakeholders and takes into account the fact that health is multifaceted.
The authors of this article are members of a Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Health and Function, funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90RTHF0002-01-00). This article was developed as part of a project sponsored by NIDILRR. It is being published with the permission of NIDILRR. This article is intended to inform and educate the public. It does not constitute medical advice nor is it intended to replace the guidance of your doctor or other health care provider.