Laziness is far too often in the eye of the beholder. A person who has hyperactivebehavior would see a more relaxed person as lazy. A person who is elderly, but who spent a lifetime of constant and hard work might see a younger person who is lazy compared to their activity at the same age. Chronic or lengthy unemployment can be seen as the result of laziness. Severely disabled individuals who do not “look sick” could be viewed as lazy.
But there are causative categories of laziness that apply: behavioral laziness and inactivity that comes from a physical or emotional disorder, such as depression or malaise. There is laziness that comes from chemical dependency or mood altering substances. There is laziness that comes from life experience, upbringing, or lack of training in the areas the result in being more active.
In cases where a person has not normally been considered to be lazy, an unexplained or sudden change in behavior will require an inquiry into a possible medical or psychological cause
There are also different levels of laziness. There is an inability to get motivated in activities that are difficult, such as making a will or advance directive. There are inabilities to organize clutter that lie in disorganization or lack of attention to creating order from chaos. There are levels of laziness that involve putting off chores, keeping a less than pristine household and car, or in paying attention to the excesses of grooming and dressing.
There are levels of laziness that approach serious problems that require help or attention. These include failure to maintain healthy personal hygiene, maintaining an unhygienic, unsafe or unhealthy home, failing to keep up with a job that provides sustenance, and failing to take care of financial and legal responsibilities, including child neglect.
When a person is behind in their bills, has a filthy house, is unkempt or poorly groomed, or avoids routine work to the point that social norms and values are being violated, then they are lazy. The general society has a certain set of standards, including religous standards, as to what a person should do in order not to have offensive personal odors, to present an acceptable appearance, and to keep up with their financial, parental, work, community and other responsibilities. Some societies, especially tightly packed urban societies, can be frenetic and very outspoken about individuals who engage in laziness to the point of causing discomfort or suffering in others or concern about a persons well being.
Some societies are in climates that simply do not support the human animal in doing constant and heavy activity. Others require constant work and movement in order to withstand the cold and intemperate climates. Others are so financially well off that there is simply not that much hard labor for the majority of participants to do, and other activities may occupy their time. Still others have such a lack of opportunity or options in life that inactivity is the result.
As a result, with the exception of situations where health, well being, and ability to thrive are concerned, some people simply have aspects of laziness that are subject to interpretation as human conduct exists on a continuum that ranges from malaise to excessive hyperactivity!
