What is the difference between health and wellness?

 

Aspect	Health	Wellness
Definition	Health refers to the overall well-being of an individual, encompassing physical, mental, and social aspects. It is the absence of illness or injury.	Wellness is a holistic concept that goes beyond the absence of illness. It includes active pursuit and maintenance of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.
Focus	Primarily focuses on the absence of illness or disease and the body's physiological functioning.	Focuses on proactive behaviors and lifestyle choices that contribute to a higher quality of life and overall well-being.
Components	Physical health, mental health, social health, and emotional health.	Physical wellness, emotional wellness, social wellness, intellectual wellness, occupational wellness, and spiritual wellness.
Reactive vs. Proactive	Often reactive, addressing health issues or illnesses as they arise.	Proactive, emphasizing preventive measures and lifestyle choices to maintain and enhance overall well-being.
Perspective	Narrower perspective, often associated with the medical model of treating diseases.	Broader perspective, emphasizing a positive and holistic approach to living a fulfilling life.
Lifestyle Choices	Involves addressing risk factors and adopting healthy habits to prevent diseases.	Involves making positive lifestyle choices that contribute to a balanced and fulfilling life, extending beyond physical health.
Goal	Goal is to maintain or restore physical and mental health.	Goal is to achieve a state of holistic well-being, involving a balance of physical, mental, and social aspects.
Holistic Approach	Recognizes the interconnection of physical, mental, and social aspects but may place more emphasis on the absence of disease.	Embraces a holistic approach, acknowledging the interconnectedness of various dimensions and the importance of balance.
Examples	Examples include managing chronic conditions, getting vaccinations, and maintaining a healthy diet.	Examples include regular exercise, stress management, social connections, lifelong learning, and mindfulness practices.

It's important to note that health and wellness are interconnected concepts, and the terms are often used interchangeably. However, wellness is a broader and more proactive concept that extends beyond the absence of illness to encompass the pursuit of a fulfilling and balanced life.