What does good health mean to an average Indian?

As the world celebrated World Health Day on Monday, it is interesting to note different global/national bodies have different definitions on what constitutes good health and well-being. This definition of 'good health' has also been evolving, decade after decade, and through generations.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has refined its definition of health over the years to reflect a more comprehensive understanding of well-being. As per reports available widely, its initial definition in the year 1946 when WHO first came to be, was - "health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

This definition emphasised the importance of overall well-being beyond just physical health. However, in recent times, the organisation's definition of health and well-being has gone from a mere absence of disease to overall well-being.

The WHO's definition has expanded to encompass not just physical health but also mental and social well-being. The organisation has recognised the critical role of social and environmental factors in shaping health outcomes.

So, what is good health? Is it a mere absence of diseases or does it also involve mental well-being and emotional support and a happy atmosphere? 

THE WEEK spoke to a few individuals, particularly youngsters in the age group of 18 to 40, on what good health means to them. Here is what they had to say:

Parth Lakkad, 21, student

Good health to me simply means equals to the absence of diseases. If I am not suffering from an ailment, it means I am healthy by default.  

Radhika Sheshan, 37, accountant

I feel I am healthy enough if I am happy. Whenever I feel good about myself, about my day, my surroundings, I feel I am healthy that day. So, I feel being healthy is a state that changes day after day, and no person can remain healthy or unhealthy for long. It just depends on how you feel in that particular moment.

Charu Mehra, 40, fashion stylist 

To me, mental happiness is crucial to feeling healthy. Being happy means being healthy. But I do not fall in this category because there is never a time when I feel totally satisfied with my life and fully content with what I have. So maybe I can never achieve the ideal 'healthy state,' ever after all. 

Leila Shah, 26, engineer

I'm a marathoner and given that I have so far run so many marathons in the past three years, I feel I can call myself healthy enough. As far as I am not in pain, I think I am healthy. 

Karishma Shetty, 35, make-up artist

I think being healthy has to do with weighing right, as per one's age and also being on the right side of the BMI index. I am overweight by 6 kilos, so I don't think I am healthy enough. My BMI is also high. I need to workout regularly in order to fit into the mould of what's considered to be healthy. 

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