- It is impossible to define health or well-being. A definition would require "an exact statement or description of the nature, scope, or meaning of something" (23). The reason that makes defining complex terms with precise words impossible is that "we know more than we can tell". This is what has been called "The Tacit Dimension" (24) or tacit knowledge (25).
- It is possible to capture the meaning of terms such as "health" and "well-being" through a process known as conceptualization, which enables the translation of abstract ideas (or constructs) using words or images, gestures, or some other imperfect means of communication, recognizing their limitations, and not expecting to produce an exact description (26,27). Therefore, conceptualizations should be open to continuous discussion and improvement.
- By viewing it not as a state but as an ability, the new conceptualization makes health:
- Something that could be learned and developed, and opens the possibility for training at all levels.
- Applicable to individuals, to communities, organizations and even to the human species as a whole.
- Compatible with the presence of diseases, even when they are multiple and complex, or terminal.
- The approach used to conceptualize health could be used to re-think the meaning of well-being.
- There is a strong possibility that health could be considered an element of human well-being.
- Disentangling health from disease and well-being from unmet material human needs could open many new opportunities to make better use of existing healthcare and social services.
- Efforts seeking to achieve optimal levels of health and well-being will likely trigger a push back from those who profit from the medicalization of life or the provision of dysfunctional social services.