Ayurvedic Preventive Health Measures in Geriatrics Care

Abstract

Geriatrics is a process of physical, psychological and social change in multidimensional aspects. Geriatrics is a progressive irreversible phenomenon of body rather than disease. It is manifested as a medical as well as social problem world over. The number of elderly population is increasing without limits and it is the challenge of the era to limit the disabilities of the elderly. A healthy and successful ageing is what everyone desires. Evidence based medicine and treatment has become the need of the hour. Modern medicine has evolved a separate branch for the cure of illnesses of the aged called as geriatric medicine. It focuses mainly on the health care problems of the elderly. Conventional system of medicine is not very satisfactory in this problem as lack of holistic and comprehensive approach towards this problem. Ayurveda, the Indian traditional holistic health science has got the potential for prevention of diseases by promotion of health and management of diseases occurring in old age. It has a broad spectrum of preventive measures for combating the ageing process. Rasayana (Rejuvenation) or Geriatrics or Jara Chikitsa in Ayurveda is a unique therapeutic methodology to delay ageing and to minimize the intensity of problems occurring in this degenerative phase of one's life. Panchakarma is a radical approach of Ayurveda designed to cleanse the Srotas of the body. It is beneficial for preventive, promotive and rehabilitative health purposes and management of various systemic diseases.