What is the difference between health and wellbeing
| Aspect | Health | Well-being |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Refers to the state of an individual's physical, mental, and social well-being, encompassing the absence of disease or illness. | Encompasses a broader concept that includes physical health but also extends to emotional, mental, social, and even spiritual aspects of an individual's life. |
| Focus | Primarily centers on the absence of illness or medical conditions and the overall functioning of an individual's body systems. | Focuses on the individual's overall quality of life, happiness, life satisfaction, and the presence of positive emotions and experiences. |
| Dimensions | Typically includes physical health, such as fitness, nutrition, and disease prevention, as well as mental health and social well-being to some extent. | Encompasses physical health but also emphasizes mental and emotional well-being, social connections, sense of purpose, and a fulfilling life. |
| Absence of Illness | Often defined as the absence of disease, injury, or medical conditions, with a focus on physiological health indicators. | Considers the absence of illness as just one component and places equal importance on positive psychological states and life satisfaction. |
| Biological Markers | Health may be assessed through biological markers such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and the presence or absence of specific diseases. | Well-being may be assessed through measures of life satisfaction, happiness, emotional balance, and social connections, among others. |
| Medical Treatment | May involve medical treatment and interventions to manage or prevent diseases, injuries, or health conditions. | Does not necessarily involve medical treatment, as well-being focuses more on holistic life satisfaction rather than specific medical treatments. |
| Disease Prevention | Emphasizes preventive measures to avoid illness and maintain or improve physical health through activities like exercise, vaccinations, and healthy eating. | Includes preventive measures but also extends to activities that enhance emotional and social well-being, such as mindfulness, stress management, and positive relationships. |
| Social Connections | May consider social support and relationships as factors that contribute to mental and emotional well-being, but it may not be the primary focus. | Places a strong emphasis on the role of social connections, relationships, and a sense of belonging as integral components of well-being. |
| Holistic Approach | Tends to focus more narrowly on physical and mental health, sometimes overlooking the broader aspects of well-being, such as life satisfaction or purpose. | Takes a holistic approach, recognizing that well-being encompasses physical, mental, emotional, social, and even spiritual dimensions of an individual's life. |
| Subjective Experience | Often assessed using objective criteria and medical indicators, with less emphasis on an individual's subjective experience of well-being. | Emphasizes the subjective experience of an individual, considering how they feel about their life, relationships, and overall sense of purpose and happiness. |
| Policy Implications | Health policies may primarily address medical care, disease prevention, and healthcare systems. | Well-being policies may consider a broader range of factors, including mental health services, community well-being, and policies that support work-life balance and life satisfaction |