terveyskunnon

Terveyskunto, or health condition, is a Finnish term used to describe an individual’s overall health status and functional capacity. It covers physical health, mental well-being, and the ability to perform daily activities and cope with physical and psychosocial stress. In Finnish health and sports discourse, terveyskunto is a dynamic attribute that can improve or decline with lifestyle, aging, and disease, rather than a fixed diagnosis.

Because terveyskunto is a composite concept, there is no single universal measurement. Assessments typically combine subjective information with objective health indicators: self-rated health, fatigue, and perceived performance; blood pressure, lipid profile, glucose, and body-mass indicators; and measures of functional capacity such as cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, balance, and mobility. In clinical practice and research, mental well-being and sleep quality are increasingly included as part of the overall picture.

Determinants include physical activity level, nutrition, alcohol and tobacco use, sleep, stress management, chronic diseases, and social and economic conditions. Age and genetics also influence terveyskunto, but lifestyle choices can cause meaningful changes within a person’s lifespan.

Importance and implications: higher terveyskunto is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, mobility limitations, and poorer quality of life, while supporting independence in older age. Improvement strategies emphasize regular aerobic exercise, resistance training, a balanced diet rich in vegetables and fiber, maintaining a healthy weight, adequate sleep, and avoidance of smoking. In workplaces and sports, monitoring terveyskunto informs health promotion and performance strategies.