| Aspect | Health | Wellness |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. It is a broader concept encompassing overall well-being. | An active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. It goes beyond the absence of illness and emphasizes a proactive approach to living a quality life. |
| Focus | Primarily focuses on the absence of disease and the functioning of the body's systems. It addresses the overall condition and status of an individual's health. | Focuses on proactive efforts to enhance and optimize health, emphasizing lifestyle choices, self-care, and a holistic approach to well-being. |
| Components | Encompasses physical health, mental health, social well-being, and the absence of disease or infirmity. It includes aspects such as fitness, nutrition, and preventive care. | Includes physical, emotional, social, intellectual, occupational, spiritual, and environmental dimensions. It considers various aspects that contribute to a person's overall quality of life. |
| State of Being | Describes the current condition of an individual's health, whether they are free from illness or experiencing medical conditions. | Describes an ongoing and dynamic process of actively pursuing activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic well-being. |
| Prevention vs. Promotion | Often associated with disease prevention and the absence of health problems. Healthcare is reactive, addressing illnesses and medical conditions. | Emphasizes health promotion and proactive measures to enhance overall well-being. It focuses on lifestyle choices and activities that contribute to a high quality of life. |
| Mindset and Lifestyle | May be associated with a medical or clinical mindset, involving the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and conditions. | Encourages a positive mindset, emphasizing personal responsibility, self-care, and the adoption of healthy habits and behaviors for a fulfilling life. |
| Quality of Life | Contributes to the overall quality of life by ensuring that the body functions optimally and minimizing the impact of illnesses. | Enhances the quality of life by promoting a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and happiness through various dimensions of wellness. |
| Responsibility | Shared responsibility between individuals and healthcare providers. Individuals may seek medical care when needed. | Places a significant emphasis on individual responsibility for one's well-being. It encourages individuals to actively engage in activities that promote health and wellness. |
| Example Activities | Examples include regular medical check-ups, disease screenings, and medical treatments to address specific health conditions. | Examples include regular exercise, balanced nutrition, stress management, mindfulness practices, social connections, continuous learning, and activities that bring joy and purpose. |
| Holistic Approach | Recognizes the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and social aspects of health but may not explicitly address all dimensions of wellness. | Takes a holistic approach, considering various dimensions of wellness and the interplay between different aspects of an individual's life. |
| Proactive vs. Reactive | May be more reactive, addressing health issues as they arise and seeking medical intervention when necessary. | Emphasizes a proactive approach, encouraging individuals to adopt healthy habits and lifestyle choices to prevent health problems and enhance overall well-being. |
In summary, while health focuses on the absence of disease and the functioning of the body's systems, wellness is a proactive and dynamic process that goes beyond the absence of illness. Wellness encompasses various dimensions of well-being and encourages individuals to actively pursue choices and activities that contribute to a fulfilling and high-quality life.