Living Conditions
Living conditions are the circumstances affecting the way people live and this often affects their health. Often, choice of lifestyle
in relation to nutrition, physical activity, alcohol and smoking are considered as the main determinants of
but living conditions are
equally important. The main difference between living conditions and lifestyle is which of these factors are within a person’s area of control.
In 2010, the Commission on the Social Determinants of Health published its final report highlighting the importance of improving
living conditions in order to improve overall health. The factors described under living conditions included access to health care and
education, quality housing, clean water, sanitation, social protection and universal health care.
(Adapted from https://www.schoolsforhealth.org)