This paper has outlined the elements of the lifeworld and their relevance for public health practice in relation to the reduction of health inequalities. There are some common principles which have emerged through the consideration of these elements in both the UK and Sweden which help to inform lifeworld led public health practice:
(1) understand the person’s lifeworld by listening to their view of their current situation and their potential, in relation to
(i) participation, occupation, engagement, and income (temporality),
(ii) the public health spatiality continuum (spatiality),
(iii) safety and relationships (intersubjectivity),
(iv) the context and potential for health behaviour change (embodiment),
(v) what factors may impact on mental health and wellbeing for a particular individual or family (mood);
(2) offer resources and empowerment based support as appropriate;
(3) share and lobby using lifeworld led case studies and enable community members to influence local and national policy and partnership working in relation to the individual, their family, and their local communities.