The culture of healthy living - The international perspective

A culture of health or healthy living can be envisioned as a society where well-being, including essential aspects like sleep, stress management, social connections, and leisure - is not merely an aspiration but a tangible reality for diverse communities, free from systemic inequities. However, the concept of a healthy lifestyle, and by extension a culture of healthy living, varies widely across the globe, shaped by cultural norms, government policies, and social structures. Defining a universally acceptable "culture of healthy living" for every population or subgroup is inherently complex, making it more practical to focus on addressing the barriers and leveraging the enablers associated with leading a healthy life. At its core, discussing the foundational elements of a healthy life - such as diet and nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and access to healthcare - is crucial. To ensure the sustainability of healthy living practices, a multifaceted approach is needed, emphasizing these pillars alongside equity. Existing global initiatives offer promising frameworks to tackle these challenges, highlighting the importance of collaboration, innovation, and systemic change. By fostering mutual support and collective action, we can advance toward a global culture of healthy living that benefits all individuals and communities, leaving no one behind.