The definition of health has evolved over the years and has continuously impacted individuals and communities. In the ancient times, health interventions were viewed as a means to raise longevity since the world’s mortality rate has always been near to the ground. Since the idea of healthiness was associated with lifespan, communities had also associated the physical aspects as a determinant of health. The robust and or fit bodies then were considered the paragons of health since it displayed normal and functioning body functions and their counterparts were seen to susceptible to early death.
After the impact of world wars, the world saw that the idea of health shouldn’t focus on physicality alone. Able-bodied soldiers weren’t in high spirits when they came home due to trauma and communities ravaged by conflict dealt with mental disturbances. Indeed, the realization has brought forth the current definition of health, in which a person is considered healthy when they exhibited physical and mental fitness, as well as contentment in life.
In reflection, both definitions weren’t inclusive to everyone. The old definition stigmatized frailty and physical “limitations” as hindrances in life, which as a result, made them more susceptible to marginalization in many sectors. The current one, on the other hand, is essentially unachievable to many. Healthiness through fulfilling the many dimensions of health is idealistic in nature, but not necessarily realistic.
I long for a new conception of health that is more inclusive to everyone and easier to achieve. To be called unhealthy by the society is in retrospect damning to the unhealthy individuals. Just like Huber, I believe that how a person views themselves (in terms of health) should also be considered when creating the new definition of health.
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