Lifestyle is the typical way of life of an individual, group, or culture.^[1] The term was originally used by Austrian psychologist Alfred Adler (1870-1937).^[2] The term was introduced in the 1950s as a derivative of that of style in modernist art.^{[3][clarification needed]} The term refers to a combination of determining intangible or tangible factors. Tangible factors relate specifically to demographic variables, i.e an individuals demographic profile, whereas intangible factors concern the psychological aspects of an individual such personal values, preferences, and outlooks.

In geographical terms, a rural environment as opposed to an urban metropolis would yield different results. This factor is most important as even within the urban scope a particular neighborhood acts as a determinant due to varying degrees of affluence and proximity to open spaces. For example, in areas within a close proximity to the sea, a surf culture or lifestyle is often present. The concept of lifestyle management has developed as a result of the growing focus on lifestyle.

Individual identity [edit]

A lifestyle typically reflects an individual's attitudes, values or world view. Therefore, a lifestyle is a means of forging a sense of self and to create cultural symbols that resonate with personal identity. Not all aspects of a lifestyle are voluntary. Surrounding social and technical systems can constrain the lifestyle choices available to the individual and the symbols she/he is able to project to others and the self.^[4]

The lines between personal identity and the everyday doings that signal a particular lifestyle become blurred in modern society.^[5] For example, "green lifestyle" means holding beliefs and engaging in activities that consume fewer resources and produce less harmful waste (i.e. a smaller carbon footprint), and deriving a sense of self from holding these beliefs and engaging in these activities. Some commentators^[who?] argue that, in modernity, the cornerstone of lifestyle construction is consumption behavior, which offers the possibility to create and further individualize the self with different products or services that signal different ways of life.^[6]

Lifestyle may include views on politics, religion, health, intimacy, and more. All of these aspects play a role in shaping someone's lifestyle. ^[7] In the magazine and television industries, "lifestyle" is used to describe a category of publications or programs.

Health [edit]

An individual's health depends a lot on their lifestyle. Maintaining physical and mental health are crucial to an individuals longevity. The more time spent on hygiene, physical fitness, and diet regulation, the healthier lifestyle they have. Those who chose to participate in any kind of physical activity on a weekly basis are generally healthier than those who don't. Mental illness may occur through various variables. For example, depression may promote mental illness through stress and anxiety. Reasons for being depressed can be due to a number of things including job loss, recently widowed, divorce, etc. Depression may lead to or increase the frequency of poor habits not promoting physical health. Poor habits may eventually lead to a poor even dangerous lifestyle.

More interestingly, a healthy or unhealthy lifestyle will most likely to be transmitted across generations. According to the study done by Case et. al (2002), it discovered that when a 0-3 year old child has a mother who practices a healthy lifestyle, this child will be 27% more likely to become healthy and adopt the same lifestyle.^[8] For instance, high income parents are more likely to eat organic food, have time to exercise and provide the best living condition to their children. On the other hand, low income parents are more likely to participate in unhealthy activities such as smoking to help them release poverty-related stress and depression.^[9] Parents are the first teacher for every child. Everything that parents do will be very like to be transferred to their children through the learning process.

Environment [edit]

There are two types of environment for a lifestyle: nature and social. Natural environment is the conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. an individual dedicated to this prefers to walk to close places, recycles plastic, papers, cants, etc. In an individuals lifestyle some of this natural environment is needed, fresh air, clean water, clean home, clean neighbourhood and a clean example for those at home.^[10] those who are nature involved decide to plant flowers, vegetables and other crops in their backyard and are extremely strict on how to organize their household waste and uses positive and proactive ways to environmental sustainability.^[11] Social environment is totally different. Social Environment includes an individuals living and working conditions, income level, educational background, community and religious beliefs if they have any.^[12] in a social environment there are certain expectations from one self or from those around. expectations like success and wanting the best. Along with success come a lot of stress. If there is failure, then there may be mood swings and disappointment. In order for this not to happen, there are better ways to avoid disappointment and failure; organization and structure is the main key element.^[13]

Technology [edit]

Technology and diversity have greatly changed the lives of people in society. Technology has positive and negative effects on our daily lives. However, the positivity and negativity of technology depends on how much we use it and how much we are exposed to it. In other words, our lifestyle controls our use of technology, while technology influences our lifestyles. To begin, technology has changed the fields of agriculture, manufacturing, warfare, transportation, information, medicine, communication, among others. Technology has also made it easier for other factors to affect our lifestyles, such as the media. All in all, technology has made our lives much easier, therefore we no longer are required to live vigorous lifestyles that, in the past, contributed to the decline in our health.On the other hand, technology has complicated many lives and has many negative effects. Technology has the power to deliver media to us that can change our values and views on the world, which in return will change our lifestyles. Also, technology has negative effects on the environment such as pollution. Because of technology such as the computer and the television, Americans have a much more sedentary lifestyle, which leads to health complications and issues.

Class [edit]

Life style research can contribute to the question of the relevance of the class concept.^[14]

Media culture [edit]

According to Adorno, the media culture^[15] of advanced capitalism typically creates new 'life-styles' to drive the consumption of new commodities.^[16] The term 'lifestyle' was introduced in the 1950s as a derivative of that of style in art.^[3]

See also [edit]

• Alternative lifestyle
• Life stance
• Otium
• Personal life
• Sustainable living

Notes [edit]

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (January 2008)

References [edit]

• Adorno [1963] Culture Industry Reconsidered, in Adorno (1991)
• Adorno (1991) The Culture Industry - Selected essays on mass culture
• Bernstein, J. M. (1991) Introduction, in Adorno (1991)

External links [edit]

• Changing lifestyle of young people and effects

Further reading [edit]

• Burkle,F.M. (2004)[1]