| Aspect | Health | Wellness |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Refers to the overall state of physical, mental, and social well-being and the absence of disease or infirmity. | Encompasses the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health. |
| Focus | Primarily focuses on the absence of illness or medical conditions, emphasizing the individual's overall condition. | Focuses on proactively promoting a balanced and fulfilling life through positive lifestyle choices and habits. |
| Scope | Includes physical health, mental health, and social well-being, addressing the individual's overall state of being. | Encompasses physical, mental, emotional, social, and even spiritual well-being, emphasizing a holistic approach to health. |
| Disease Prevention | Emphasizes preventing and managing diseases, addressing risk factors, and maintaining or restoring health. | Goes beyond disease prevention to encourage practices that enhance overall well-being, vitality, and quality of life. |
| Lifestyle Choices | Encourages healthy lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep, to maintain and improve health. | Advocates for a broader range of lifestyle choices that contribute to optimal well-being, including stress management, mindfulness, and personal development. |
| State of Being | Describes the current state of an individual's physical and mental condition, whether they are free from illness or experiencing health challenges. | Reflects an ongoing, dynamic process of actively pursuing activities and choices that contribute to a high quality of life and overall flourishing. |
| Preventive Measures | Involves preventive measures, screenings, and interventions to identify and manage health risks and potential illnesses. | Expands preventive measures to include practices that promote a positive and fulfilling life, fostering resilience and a sense of purpose. |
| Holistic Approach | May have a more targeted or disease-specific focus, addressing individual components of health such as cardiovascular health or mental health. | Embraces a holistic approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of various aspects of well-being and their impact on overall health. |
| Personal Responsibility | Acknowledges personal responsibility for maintaining health, following medical advice, and engaging in healthy behaviors. | Encourages individuals to take an active role in their well-being, making positive choices that go beyond basic health maintenance. |
| Quality of Life | Impacts the quality of life by addressing health conditions, preventing illnesses, and promoting physical and mental functioning. | Enhances the quality of life by promoting joy, fulfillment, purpose, and a sense of balance across various dimensions of well-being. |
| Dynamic Nature | Can change based on health conditions, medical interventions, and responses to illness or treatment. | Reflects a dynamic and evolving state influenced by ongoing lifestyle choices, personal development, and the pursuit of life-enhancing activities. |
In summary, health focuses on the absence of illness and the overall state of physical, mental, and social well-being, while wellness goes beyond this by actively promoting a holistic and fulfilling life through positive lifestyle choices and practices. Wellness encompasses various dimensions of well-being and encourages individuals to take an active role in enhancing their overall quality of life.