Final answer:
Health is best described as a state of optimal functioning that is not solely determined by the individual but by a combination of personal and societal factors, aligning with the World Health Organization's definition of complete well-being across physical, mental and social domains.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of health is multifaceted and cannot be merely considered as an objective state or merely as the absence of illness. According to the World Health Organization, health is defined as 'a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.' Considering this, the statement 'Health is a state of optimal functioning' is the most accurate description among those provided. It encompasses the notion that health is about achieving the highest level of wellbeing and function across various dimensions of life.
In a broader sense, health can be influenced by a range of factors including genetics, lifestyle choices, environment, and social conditions. Optimizing one's health involves a combination of personal actions and societal provisions such as adequate healthcare, clean environment, and supportive community networks. Furthermore, health is not strictly determined by the client alone but by a complex interplay between individual characteristics and the broader determinants of health.
In the broader context of living organisms, health equates to a state that enhances survival and successful reproduction. In humans, this extends to physical and mental states conducive to living a fulfilling life, which is aligned with the evolutionary perspective on health. This perspective highlights the adaptations through evolution that have shaped the parameters of human health, suggesting that significant deviations from certain evolutionary conditions may result in ill health.