CRITICAL REVIEW OF GERIATRIC CARE IN AYURVEDA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO JARA: A REVIEW ARTICLE

Abstract

Geriatric medicine is the specialized branch of medicine that deals with the problem of elderly persons. Increase in average life span due to enhanced medical facilities has resulted in demographic shift towards older age. Also, a lot has been stated in Ayurveda texts regarding longevity and vitality in terms of Jarachikitsa and Rasayan. This study was undertaken to critically review the Ayurveda texts and re-evaluate the concept of jara (ageing)and to analyze the various considerations and therapeutic interventions which have promotive, preventive and curative effect  on diseases of  old age. The three main texts of Ayurveda, i.e., Brihatryi were explored regarding the aspects of ageing and non-pharmacological as well as drug approaches were studied. Analyses of the  texts  revealed  that  the  preventive  aspects  of  ideal  regimen,  healthy  dietary  habits,  use  of Rasayana drugs  and Panchakarma purification procedures, if adopted in daily routine can have a positive effect in improving vitality and longevity of the body. This also improves the quality of life especially in the elderly.

Keywords: Geriatrics, Jara, Rasayan