Health: The Foundation That Supports Everything Else
- Claire
- Jun 4
- 4 min read
The final 'addition' in our series exploring the pillars that help people to flourish is about Health. Our approach draws on the PERMA model developed by Professor Martin Seligman, a leading psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania and former President of the American Psychological Association.
Introduction
Our ability to engage with the world around us is influenced by our health.
This is why many wellbeing professionals expand Martin Seligman's PERMA model into PERMA-H, with the H representing Health.
When we feel physically well, we are often better able to maintain relationships, pursue meaningful activities, achieve personal goals and experience positive emotions.
Of course, health is not the only factor that determines wellbeing. Many people continue to live rich, fulfilling and meaningful lives despite illness or disability.
However, supporting health can create opportunities for people to continue engaging with the things that matter most to them.
At Thrive Homecare, we believe health should never be viewed in isolation. It is one part of a much bigger picture. True wellbeing comes from understanding how physical, emotional and social wellbeing work together to help people flourish.
What Do We Mean by Health?
When people hear the word health, they often think about illness and medical conditions. While these are certainly important, health is about much more than the absence of disease. The World Health Organisation describes health as a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing.
In practice, this means health can include:
Physical fitness and mobility
Nutrition and hydration
Sleep and rest
Managing health conditions
Emotional wellbeing
Social connection
Independence and confidence
Health affects how we feel, what we can do and how we experience daily life.
It influences our energy levels, our ability to participate in activities and our confidence to engage with the world around us.
Why Health Matters for Wellbeing
Think about the things that contribute most to your quality of life.
Perhaps it is seeing family and friends. Enjoying favourite hobbies. Getting outdoors. Travelling. Volunteering. Attending community groups. Spending time with grandchildren. Health often plays a role in enabling these experiences.
When people experience challenges with mobility, nutrition, sleep or long-term health conditions, everyday activities can become more difficult.
This does not mean wellbeing becomes impossible.
However, it does highlight why supporting health is so important.
Health helps create opportunities for people to continue doing the things that bring meaning, enjoyment and fulfilment to their lives.
What Supports Good Health in Later Life?
There is no single formula for good health. However, several factors consistently contribute to wellbeing throughout later life.
Staying Active
Regular movement helps support strength, balance, mobility and confidence.
This does not necessarily mean vigorous exercise. Walking, gardening, stretching and gentle physical activity can all contribute to wellbeing.
Good Nutrition and Hydration
Eating well and staying hydrated helps support energy levels, physical health and overall wellbeing. Small changes can often have a significant impact.
Sleep and Rest
Quality sleep plays an important role in both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Sleep helps the body recover and supports mood, concentration and energy levels.
Social Connection
Health is not only physical. Maintaining meaningful relationships and social connections contributes significantly to overall wellbeing and mental health.
Preventative Support
Addressing challenges early can help people maintain independence and quality of life. Whether it is support with mobility, medication, nutrition or daily routines, preventative approaches often help people remain well for longer.
How Thrive Supports Health and Wellbeing
At Thrive Homecare, good quality care starts with getting the essentials right.
Health is supported through thoughtful, consistent attention to mobility, nutrition, hydration and medication, ensuring each person has the right foundations in place to live well at home.
Our approach is built around understanding the whole person and what matters most to them, so support goes beyond tasks and focuses on maintaining and improving health & wellbeing.
This means helping people to stay as mobile and active as possible, supporting regular and nourishing meals and fluids, and ensuring medication is taken safely and reliably.
By understanding each person's goals, interests and aspirations, we can help create support that promotes both health and quality of life.
A Real Example
Thrive Homecare supports Gertrude to live well with Parkinson’s in her own home through consistent visiting care tailored to her needs. Support with mobility, nutrition, hydration and medication helps reduce health risks such as falls, dehydration and missed medication, while maintaining daily routines safely.
Familiar Health & Wellbeing Associates provide continuity and reassurance, helping to reduce anxiety and increase confidence despite her condition. This combination of practical and relationship-led support helps Gertrude to stay safe, well and in her own home.
Living Life In Colour
Health is not simply about managing conditions or preventing illness. It is about supporting people to live the life they want to live.
At Thrive Homecare, we believe health is most powerful when viewed as part of a broader picture of wellbeing. By supporting physical, emotional and social wellbeing together, we help people continue doing the things that bring meaning, purpose and joy to their lives.
Explore the rest of the PERMA(H) pillars:
If you would like to learn more about our companionship, visiting care, live-in care or dementia support services, contact us today for a no obligation chat.
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