The Definition of Lifestyle
Describe the typical lifestyle of a person by the characteristics he or she exhibits. Lifestyle was first used by the Austrian psychologist Alfred Adler in the 1950s. The word lifestyle encompasses both tangible and intangible aspects of a person’s life and reflects an individual’s worldview. Those who live in rural environments tend to have different lifestyles than those living in urban areas. This is a common misconception, since urban lifestyles have different physical characteristics and corresponding mental health conditions.
Adler’s definition of lifestyle begins in childhood and evolves throughout life, just as a tree grows. In this way, lifestyle can be considered an internal process, as opposed to an external experience. Adler’s definition of lifestyle reflects an internalized perspective, while Max Weber focuses on social and economic structures. Weber writes that people adopt specific’schemes of life’ based on their desires to gain distinction and imitate their superiors.
The first major change that happened after the concept of lifestyle came into being was in the field of photography. In the early 1930s, LIFE magazine was launched in New York by Henry Luce, one year before Edwin H. Land developed the Polaroid camera. The first American news magazine focused on photojournalism, LIFE’s photographs portrayed the disintegration of the American dream. One of the most notable photographers for LIFE, Gordon Parks, started as a Farm Security Administration photographer but eventually worked his way up to Paris to shoot haute couture. Moreover, he managed to capture a wide range of different aspects of lifestyle, including a variety of social conditions, from a simple teddy bear to an entire family of horses.
A healthy lifestyle encompasses various aspects of one’s life, including social status, hobbies, and fashion sense. Whether a person chooses to pursue organized religion or practice spirituality, lifestyle plays an important role in his or her overall health. In order to achieve wellness, all aspects of one’s life must be in harmony. People who lead a healthy lifestyle engage in activities that are fun and fulfilling. They also prioritize a balanced diet and exercise regimen.