According to a new study, adopting a holistic approach to health could increase life expectancy and improve quality of life.
McKinsey Health Institute conducted an international survey of 1,000 people in 19 countries to find out how different communities define health and the factors that influence it.
The results showed that health can be measured in all dimensions and that it is not dependent on the presence or absence of any disease. According to the report’s authors, the results suggest that people around the globe may be more focused on living full and functional lives.
Perceptions of health
Overall, 85% of respondents rated their mental and physical health very or very important. 70% rated their social health the same. 62% ranked spiritual health very or extremely important.
In terms of age, younger and older respondents rated the same physical and mental health equally important. However, older respondents ranked social and spiritual well-being less important.
Not all people perceive their health as being in good or very good condition. Respondents who had a diagnosed disease rated their health as very good or excellent, while those without it rated their health as fair, poor, or very poor.
Health perceptions were not affected by age. 60% of people aged 75-84 reported very good or excellent overall health, while 70% of those between 18 and 24 reported the exact same. The results in the United States were similar.
On some dimensions of health, such as mental health, older age groups scored higher than those in younger groups. According to authors of the report, this finding is consistent with recent studies that show Generation Z members have lower mental health.
Higher household income is associated with better health perceptions in most countries, including the United States.
Support
Results showed that family and friends offer the best health support, regardless of gender, age, or country, as well as more than any public or private healthcare system. People with a chronic disease reported receiving less health support than those without it.
According to the survey, people who reported low levels of support for their health were more likely than others to become sick. Similar studies were done in Australia and the United States. They found that older adults who are lonely, isolated and lacking in social support significantly increase their risk of dying prematurely from all causes.
According to the authors, if people, businesses, and countries increase their knowledge of health, there may be improvements in quality and life expectancy.
