A Review of Preventive Health Care in Geriatrics through Ayurveda

Abstract

Ayurveda is basically the science of life and longevity. Ageing is a process of physical, psychological and social change in multi dimensional aspects. According to the Ayurveda, ageing is outcome of kala or parinama. Vata dosha is the most important factor in the pathophysiology of ageing obviously because of its natural predominance at that stage of life. Ayurveda advocates an excellent approach for promotion of health, prevention of diseases and delaying the process of ageing with number of measures mentioned in svastha chatushka and rasayanadhyaya of charakasamhita, time to time panchakarma and various herbal drugs. Jarachikitsa or Rasayana in Ayurveda is a unique therapeutic methodology to delay ageing and to minimize the intensity of problems occuring in this degenerative phase of one's life. Prevention and management of health problems could help the elderly to improve quality of life and remain self dependant for their daily activities to maximum possible extent.