Health is the state of being physically, mentally and socially well. Health is often viewed as the opposite of disease or injury. Health is a resource for living life to the fullest. The concept of Health reflects the values, priorities and beliefs of individuals and communities.
Health has been defined in many ways over time and the simplest definition is that of absence of disease. This view has led to a focus on the promotion of health as an effort to remove diseases or diminish risks that lead to them. It has also given rise to the idea that the promotion of health must involve individuals.
The new definition of Health, endorsed by the World Health Organization in 2020, is that health is dynamic and continuous, multidimensional, distinct from functioning, determined by balance and adaptation, and influenced by the environment. This broader view of health provides a new lens for research, policies and practices, especially when considering disability and chronic health conditions.
For example, consider a young woman with Down syndrome who competes in swimming competitions and gains meaning from her sport. Or a high school teacher with bipolar disorder who manages his condition with medication and lifestyle choices, and finds satisfaction as husband, father and member of community groups. What contributes to their sense of health and well-being?
In the past, health has been viewed primarily in terms of risk factors that can be changed such as diet and exercise, or in terms of medical conditions that can be treated with medication. While these factors are important for health, they do not fully explain what makes a person healthy or unhealthy.