What is Health? Time to Expand the Definition

#MHST601 There is variation in the definition of "health" among people. In a recent meeting I posed this question during round table discussion, and some responses included, "not having a disease or illness", "feeling good", "physical and mental well-being needs being met" to name a few.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as, "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. This definition has not changed since 1948. Fallon & Karlawish argue that it needs to be

updated to, "a more inclusive definition of health-one that works for more people-rather than categorically excluding an entire segment of the life course"(2019). They go on to state, "A definition of health needs to work for a nation. And most nations in the developed and developing world are aging."

The WHO's use of "complete" in their definition of health is problematic. For example, seniors that require the use of mobility aids arguably do not meet the definition of health as per the WHO. Fallon & Karlawish suggest, "managing multiple diseases, maximizing function, optimizing medication regimens, prioritizing different health risks and outcomes, and preparing for end-of-life considerations are some of the areas that deserve to be included in basic definitions of health." These areas described by Fallon & Karlawish encompass a much larger portion of the population today, and would recognize an increased number of people as meeting the definition of health.

It is evident that the definition as stated by the WHO is outdated and needs revision. Fallon & Karlawish propose to include, "adapting to evolving health needs over the life course, and optimally managing disease as a means to physical, mental, and social well-being" to the definition of health. This definition includes the main aspects of the WHO's definition along with the addition of managing a person's changing needs to meet the definition of health over a lifespan, and therefore will allow so many more to be considered healthy.

References

Kiernan Fallon, C. & Karlawish, J. (2019, July 19). It's time to change the definition of health. STAT. Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://www.statnews.com/.

World Health Organization. (2021). Retrieved October 6, 2021, from Constitution of the World Health Organization (who.int)