Process of Ageing - An Ayurvedic Perspective

Abstract

Census shows that one out of every two elderly suffers from at least alone chronic disease that requires lifelong medication. Nearly 50% report arthritis, 40% hypertention, 30% hearing impairement, 40% defective vision, 10% diabetes, 89 out of every 1000 are mentally ill. Ayurveda has considered Jara as one of the branch among eight branches of Ayurveda but detailed description as a disease has not been mentioned anywhere. Process of ageing can be described by Sahaja Theory and Vatic Theory and how various pathological factors such as impaired Dhatu Vyuha Karatha, Rasa Shoshana, Dhatu Asamata, Agni Asamata, Mano Vyaharsha and Ayu Upaghata leads to Ojakshaya and ultimately Jara.