1 of 7
If you’re seeking a complete picture of the health of an individual or of groups of people, it’s important to look at more than just physical health. Of course, physical health—whether one is generally fit and healthy or is managing a chronic disease or condition—plays a major role in one’s daily well-being and longevity.
But four other important factors contribute to overall well-being as well. These include:
- A sense of purpose in daily life
- Access to a supportive social network
- Financial well-being
- Healthy community bonds and resources
Together, these five pillars of health produce a more holistic—and accurate—picture of a person’s well-being.
Sources: Alimujiang A, Wiensch A, Boss J, et al. ... + 17
- Alimujiang A, Wiensch A, Boss J, et al. Association Between Life Purpose and Mortality Among US Adults Older Than 50 Years. JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(5):e194270.
- American Public Health Association. The Impacts of Individual and Household Debt on Health and Well-Being. October 26, 2021.
- Avitt, A. The wellness benefits of the great outdoors. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. March 24, 2021.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Mental Health. Page last reviewed April 25, 2023.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Built Environment: NCCDPHP’s Program Successes. Page last reviewed December 8, 2022.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy Eating for a Healthy Weight. Page last reviewed March 8, 2023.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy Weight, Nutrition, and Physical Activity. Page last reviewed June 9, 2023.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How Does Social Connectedness Affect Health? Page last reviewed March 30, 2023.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How Much Sleep Do I Need? Page last reviewed September 14, 2022.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Physical Activity for a Healthy Weight. Page last reviewed April 26, 2023.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What Organizations and Communities Can Do to Promote Social Connectedness. Page last reviewed March 30, 2023.
- Killingsworth MA, Kahneman D, Mellers B. Income and emotional well-being: A conflict resolved. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2023 Mar 7;120(10):e2208661120.
- Kim ES, Delaney SW, Kubzansky LD. Sense of Purpose in Life and Cardiovascular Disease: Underlying Mechanisms and Future Directions. Curr Cardiol Rep. 2019 Oct 31;21(11):135.
- Ryu S, Fan L. The Relationship Between Financial Worries and Psychological Distress Among U.S. Adults. J Fam Econ Issues. 2023;44(1):16-33.
- Sharma G, Yukhymenko-Lescroart MA. Life Purpose as a Predictor of Resilience and Persistence in College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Coll Stud Ret. 2022 Feb 25:15210251221076828.
- Shiba K, Kubzanski L, Williams D, et al. Purpose in life and 8-year mortality by gender and race/ethnicity among older adults in the U.S. Preventive Medicine. 2022 Nov;164:107310.
- Steptoe A, Fancourt D. Leading a meaningful life at older ages and its relationship with social engagement, prosperity, health, biology, and time use. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2019;116(4):1207-1212.
- Zhang W, Paul SE, Winkler A, et al. Shared brain and genetic architectures between mental health and physical activity. Transl Psychiatry. 2022 Oct 3;12(1):428.
