PERCEPTIONS OF HEALTH

Perception-refers to the way something is seen or viewed by an individual or group.

When making judgements about our level of health and well-being our perceptions are influenced by a range of factors including:

- Our personal interpretations of the term health- Our beliefs about our capacity to achieve good health- Our environment- Our health behaviours and lifestyle- Our past level of health- The attitudes about health conveyed by family, peers and the media.- The value we place on the importance of striving for and maintaining a positive state of well-being.

The factors that can influence our perceptions of health

HOW DO PERCEPTIONS OF HEALTH CHANGE WITH AGE?

Table 1.1: Changes in the meaning of health during our life cycle

Period HealthChildhood

(birth to 11 years)

• generally take health for granted

Early adolescence

(12–16 years)

• health seen as important to help establish and maintain a positive body image

• health behaviours and values being formed

Late adolescence

(17–24 years)

• majority enjoy good health and realise benefits of health-promoting behaviours, even if it is not a priority for them

• more likely to have specific health concerns related to nutrition, drug use, injury, relationships, sexual health and mental health

• develop intimate relationships

• may engage in risk taking with a sense of impunity (‘it won't happen to me’ attitude)

Early adulthood

(25–39 years)

• seen as a resource; realise the value of having all dimensions of health in balance in order to function effectively

Middle years of adulthood

(40–59 years)

• preventative health behaviours and screening procedures become necessary as age increases

Senior years

(from 60 years)

• good health seen as a precious resource

• more likely to suffer from failing health due to ageing process