Childhood origins of adult health: a basis for life-course health policy

Abstract

Many common chronic and mental disorders have modifiable precursors that arise during childhood. The life-course model of how health is produced provides a scientific basis for understanding the continuity between child and adult health. Life-course health policy seeks to promote the well-being of the young, both because of its intrinsic value and because doing so will improve the health of the population at all ages. It mandates increased attention to the promotion of biopsychosocial adaptability and other approaches to preventing the precursors to future disorders. Finally, it requires health policies to foster positive long-term outcomes focused on the individual, family, and community.