AN EXPANDED DEFINITION OF THE TERM «HEALTH» FROM THE PERSPECTIVES OF ITS DYNAMICITY, EXISTENTIAL CONTENT, SELF-REGULATION, AND CAPACITY FOR DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58407/visnik.253303Keywords:
public health, social determinants, demographic crisis, functional well - being, state, diseasesAbstract
Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of refining and modernizing the interpretation of the term «health» for the future of society. This necessity arises from several factors:
The advancement of public health science and medical research.
The model of positive health.
The need for clear definitions in the ongoing process of establishing an effective public health system in our country.
The dynamics of civilizational processes that significantly impact human health, among others.
The lack of clear definitions in the field of public health - such as referring to the healthcare system as the «health protection system» - leads to organizational chaos. This, in turn, worsens population health, demographic trends, and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, alongside global crises. It is further exacerbated by modern technologies (DNA analysis, artificial intelligence, smart gadgets, etc.), contributing to information overload and stress. Additionally, health-based algorithms for human monitoring highlight the inadequacy of current definitions in terms of scientific precision, practical application, interdisciplinary coherence, individualization, dynamic interpretation, and socialization.
A modern definition of «health» must not only be academically precise but also instrumental – enabling the development of strategies to influence all determinants of public health. Refining and modernizing this definition is the foundation for new, effective technologies, policies, and the ability to thrive in uncertain conditions while fostering personal responsibility. Without a clear definition, it is impossible to build societal resilience to new challenges, develop preventive approaches, cultivate a motivated desire for personal and societal well-being, evaluate AI effectiveness in diagnostics, measure population health levels, or compare data across countries.
Today, the definition of «health» is regarded as a crucial tool for improving the quality of human life.
