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

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 Jara chikitsa and Rasayan. This study was undertaken to critically review the Ayurveda texts and re-evaluate the concept of jara (ageing) and
to analyse 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 Panchkarma
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.