Old age is not a disease - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 27 - 2003 - Paper 1

Defining 'health' and 'disease' can be quite complex due to several factors:

1. Variability in Definitions

Different organizations and experts have varying definitions of health and disease. For instance, the World Health Organization defines health as 'a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.' This broad definition creates ambiguity when categorizing what constitutes good health versus illness.

2. Subjectivity of Experience

Individual experiences and perceptions of health can differ significantly. What one person considers healthy may be viewed as unhealthy by another, leading to discrepancies in how diseases and health are perceived.

3. Cultural and Social Influences

Cultural beliefs and social norms can affect the definitions of health and disease. In some cultures, certain ailments may not be recognized as diseases, complicating diagnosis and treatment plans.

4. Continuum of Health and Disease

Health and disease are often viewed along a continuum rather than as binary states. For example, an individual may experience varying degrees of illness that do not fit neatly into defined categories, further complicating attempts at clear definitions.