Lifestyle

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Lifestyle is a term used to describe the way an individual, group, or culture leads their life. This includes patterns of social relations, consumption, entertainment, and dress. A lifestyle typically reflects an individual's attitudes, values, or worldview. Having a specific lifestyle can often be a distinguishing feature of individual identity. Despite this, the elements that make up a lifestyle are often subject to external factors such as social, economic, and environmental pressures.

Definition[edit | edit source]

The term lifestyle was first used by Austrian psychologist Alfred Adler in 1929. The current broader sense of the word dates from 1961. In sociology, a lifestyle is the way a person lives. This includes patterns of social relations, consumption, entertainment, and dress. A lifestyle typically reflects an individual's attitudes, values, or worldview. Therefore, a lifestyle is a means of forging a sense of self and to create cultural symbols that resonate with personal identity.

Types of Lifestyles[edit | edit source]

There are numerous types of lifestyles, including but not limited to:

  • Active lifestyle - A way of life that incorporates regular physical activity.
  • Healthy lifestyle - A way of life that incorporates regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and a positive mental attitude.
  • Sedentary lifestyle - A type of lifestyle with no or irregular physical activity.
  • Bohemian lifestyle - A lifestyle that is free from societal norms and usually involves artistic pursuits.
  • Nomadic lifestyle - A lifestyle that involves constant or frequent relocation.
  • Rural lifestyle - A lifestyle that is based in the countryside, often with an emphasis on living off the land.
  • Urban lifestyle - A lifestyle that is based in a city or town.

Lifestyle and Health[edit | edit source]

Lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on health and wellbeing. A Healthy lifestyle can help prevent chronic diseases and long-term illnesses. Conversely, a Sedentary lifestyle can lead to numerous health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The World Health Organization has identified physical inactivity as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD