Concepts of Health and Wellbeing

Health and Wellbeing

The state of an individuals physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual existence, characterised by an equilibrium in which the individual feels happy, healthy, capable and engaged.

WHO 1946 definition of Health

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Dynamic

Continually changing and these changes can be negative or positive and can be gradual or occur quickly

Wellbeing

How a person feels about themselves and their life and is characterised by an equilbrium in which the individual feels happy, healthy, capable and engaged.

Subjective

Influenced by or based on personal beliefs, feelings or opinions.

It means different things to different people.

Chronic condition

Any disease or condition that lasts a long time usually longer than 6 months. These are often incurable and require ongoing treatment and management.

Illness

A subjective concept related to personal experience of a disease or injury

Optimal health and wellbeing

The highest level of health and wellbeing an individual can realistically attain at any particular time, taking into account genetics and the different environments in which people live.

Disease

A physical or mental disturbance involving symptoms, dysfunction or tissue damage

Infirmity

The quality or state of being weak or ill. Often associated with old age.

Optimal health & wellbeing

The highest level of health and wellbeing an individual can realistically attain at any particular time, taking into account genetics and the different environments in which people live

Physical Health and Wellbeing

Relates to the functioning of the body and its systems. It includes the physical capacity to perform daily tasks or activities.

Aspects of physical health and wellbeing

• Absence of disease, illness and injury

• Physical capacity to perform daily tasks

• Healthy body weight

• Optimal blood pressure

• Well functioning body, systems and organs

• Appropriate levels of fitness

• Optimal energy levels

Social Health and Wellbeing

Relates to the state and quality of the interactions and relationships that an individual has with other people. It includes the ability to manage or adapt appropriately to different social situations.

Aspects of social health and wellbeing

• Supportive network of friends

• Supportive and well-functioning family

• Effective communication

• Productive relationships with others

• Ability to adapt and manage different social situations

Emotional Health and Wellbeing

Relates to the ability to express emotions or feelings in an appropriate way. It is about the positive management and expression of emotional actions and reactions as well as the ability to display resilience. It is the degree to which an individual feels emotionally secure and relaxed in everyday life.

Aspects of emotional health and wellbeing

• Recognise emotional actions

• Effectively express and manage emotions

• Experiencing appropriate emotions

• Have a high level of resilience

Mental Health and Wellbeing

The current state of wellbeing relating to a persons mind or brain and includes the ability to think and process information. It includes thought patterns, self-esteem and levels of stress and anxiety

Aspects of mental health and wellbeing

• Low levels of stress and anxiety

• High levels of confidence

• Optimal self-esteem

• Use logic and reasoning to form opinions and make decisions

• Positive thought patterns

• Ability to think and process information

Spiritual health and wellbeing

Relates to idea, beliefs, values and ethics that arise in the minds and conscience oh human beings. This includes the concepts of hope, peace, a sense of meaning, place and purpose in life and a sense of belonging and connection to the world in which you live.

Aspects of spiritual health and wellbeing

• Sense of belonging or connection to the world

• Positive meaning, place and purpose in life

• Having developed personal values or beliefs

• Acting according to values and beliefs

• Peace and hope

Interrelationship question worth 1 mark needs?

Dimension 1 to Dimension 2

Interrelationship question worth 2 marks needs

Dimension 1 to dimension 2 then to dimension 3 or back to dimension 1

Optimal health and wellbeing as a resource for the individual

• sleep well

• work productively

• reduced healthcare costs

• gain an education

• earn an income

• exercise

• effectively run a household

• spend time with friends

• works towards their purpose in life

• increase leisure time

• live independently

Optimal health and wellbeing as a resource nationally

• longer, healthier lives

• health system savings

• fewer people relying on social security

• increased productivity

• higher average incomes

• reduced stress and anxiety in the community

• increased social participation

Optimal health and wellbeing as a resource globally

• reduces risk of transmission between countries

• assists in promoting peace and stability

• promotes economic development

• promotes social development

• promotes sustainability