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Definitions of Health

The World Health Organization defines health as a state of total well-being, characterized by the absence of disease or infirmity. Over the centuries, many definitions of health have been used. In the United States, the term is commonly understood to mean an absence of chronic illness. However, other definitions of health have emerged, including mental health, social and spiritual well-being, and sexuality. Listed below are a few examples of different definitions of health.

Physical and mental health are connected through the genetic component of an individual. The biology of centenarians may hold the key to healthy ageing in the general population. The World Health Organization, a government mandated body in global health, has set standards for what constitutes good health. The WHO constitution defines “health” as complete physical, mental, and social well-being, free from disease or infirmity. It is also a vital resource for daily life.

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) constitution came into effect in 1948. It recognizes that health is a human right that is determined by a person’s social and economic conditions. It states that the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is a fundamental right for all people without distinction of race, political beliefs, or economic status. Numerous nation states have adopted the WorldHealth Organization’s constitution and have a legal obligation to provide quality health to all citizens.