What is the Modern Definition of 'Health'?

Over 70 years has passed since the definition of health was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. The WHO defined health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (Bradley et al., 2018). Unfortunately, this definition has not evolved with the changes in technology, health care needs and the aging population. A contemporary definition of health should focus on an individual’s capability to adapt, live a fulfilling life and maintain one’s well being physically, mentally, and socially even in the presence of disease or disability.

As suggested by Card (2017), there are 3 principles we can use to define health.

1. Health is not binary but exists

on a spectrum

2. Health is a subjective and

experiential state that does not

correspond directly with the (Brazier, 2019)

presence or absence of a health condition

3. Health is both physical and psychological

The world’s population is aging rapidly, as it is projected that the population over 65 years of age will increase by 12% by 2030 (Card, 2017). As the population ages, the chance of developing a chronic condition increases as well. If we base off what we consider a healthy individual from the WHO definition, most of the population would be considered unhealthy (Bradley et al., 2018). The WHO definition fails to realize that most people are not in perfect health or a state of complete well-being. Individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma and arthritis can still live a fulfilling active life. However, based on the WHO definition of health they would be classified as unhealthy. Most people with chronic conditions can adapt as they find ways to manage and prevent symptoms through medication, treatments and/or social support.

The WHO definition fails to consider the effects that social determinants have on an individual’s health. Examples of these factors include financial well-being, geographical location, family dynamics, sense of safety

(Berry, 2018)

and access to healthy foods (Bradley et al., 2018). These factors can support or hinder one’s ability to achieve good health. Individuals with a higher socioeconomic status generally have better access to health care, nutritious foods, and financial resources (Felman & Sampson, 2020). Thus, they are better equipped to achieve good health in comparison to those from a lower socioeconomic status.

Lastly, it is important to note that the sense of feeling healthy is highly subjective and related to one’s own perception of well-being. Two individuals with the same illnesses and circumstances may differ in the way they feel due to variances in their adaptability, experiences, expectations, and social support (Bradley et al., 2018). Therefore, it is extremely important to adapt a new definition of what health is as we are constantly evolving. Health is no longer dictated by three simple factors, but instead a multitude of elements that together allow one to feel healthy and live a functional and fulfilling life.

References

Berry, J. (2018). What is chrondomalacia? [Image]. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/311263#what-is-chondromalacia

Bradley, K. L., Goetz, T., & Viswanathan, S. (2018). Toward a Contempoary Definition of Health. Military Medicine, 183(suppl_3), 204-207. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usy213

Brazier, Y. (2019). What to know about apples [Image]. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/267290#benefits

Card, A.J. (2017). Moving Beyond the WHO Definition of Health: A New Perspective for an Aging World and the Emerging Era of Value-Based Care. World Medical & Health Policy, 9(1), 127-137. https://doi.org/10.1002/wmh3.221

Felman, A., & Sampson, S. (2020, April 19). What is good health?. MedicalNewsToday. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150999