The Concept of Health Evolving to Include Wellness, Illness, and Overall Well-being

The Concept of Health Evolving to Include Wellness, Illness, and Overall Well-being

The concept of health has developed over time, progressing beyond the ancient comprehension of the absence of infirmity or illness to include a broader approach, including wellness, illness, and overall well-being. The shift in thinking reflects a more comprehensive perspective on health, considering numerous dimensions of human encounters and recognizing that health extends beyond mere physical well-being. Wellness is a fundamental part of the developed concept of health. It highlights the proactive standards and lifestyle choices that foster optimal physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Rather than solely aiming at treating illness, the emphasis is on maintaining and improving overall wellness through healthy habits like exercising regularly, having a balanced diet, managing stress, and self-care. According to Oliver et al. (2018), wellness entails a range of factors like physical fitness, mental clarity, emotional stability, social relation, and spiritual fulfillment. The involvement of infirmity in the concept of health identifies that the absence of disorder does not solely determine health. Infirmity is a state of being unwell or encountering a specific health condition or disorder (Whysall et al., 2018). The comprehension of illness recognizes that individuals may experience numerous health difficulties throughout their lives, and addressing these difficulties is a crucial aspect of overall health.

Overall well-being is an inclusive and multifaceted aspect of the advanced concept of health. It involves an individual’s life’s physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. Overall well-being progresses beyond the absence of infirmity and extends to the presence of decisive factors, contributing to a fulfilling and meaningful life (Ruggeri et al., 2020). It entails encountering a sense of purpose, satisfaction, and happiness, maintaining emphatic relationships, having a supportive social network, and finding stability and harmony in numerous aspects of life. The development of the concept of health to include wellness, illness, and overall well-being recognizes the interplay between the dimensions. It acknowledges that physical health can impact mental and emotional well-being. It also highlights the significance of preventive mechanisms and proactive self-care to foster optimal health and well-being. The advancement of the concept of health reflects a more inclusive and holistic approach, acknowledging that health entails not only the absence of infirmity but also the promotion of wellness and overall well-being in all aspects of an individual’s life.

Health Promotion Changing Overtime

Health promotion has advanced crucially over time, reflecting a dynamic interplay of societal, scientific, and technological development. Historically, health promotion is mainly aimed at individual behavior change, suggesting individual accountability and equipping information to assist healthier choices (Edelman & Kudzma, 2021). Moreover, as our comprehension of health determinates expanded, so did the scope of health promotion. Its modality shifted towards a more inclusive perspective, acknowledging the impact of social, economic, and environmental factors on health results. Cooperative efforts emerged, involving multiple sectors, addressing systematic problems and fostering health equity. The advent of digital technology and the widespread use of social media further changed health promotion, equipping new avenues for disseminating information, promoting online communities, and encouraging individuals to participate ardently in their health. However, there has been a developing emphasis on prevention, early intervention, and addressing underlying health conditions instead of solely aiming at treatment. This inclusive and holistic perspective to health promotion has achieved identification, underscoring the significance of empowering individuals, fostering social justice, and developing supportive environments, enabling healthier choices.