Abstract

GERIATRIC CARE THROUGH AYURVEDA

Dhanashree Ghotkar* and Avadhesh Kumar Bhatt

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Abstract

Geriatrics has become the new emerging science in the field of medicine. It includes all the necessary care of elderly people to meet their physical & mental needs which can improve their quality of life & maintain their independence of life as long as possible. As old age is the crucial stage of life in which all the debilitating physical conditions demand more attention & care. A long back ago our Aacharya stated rejuvenating therapy which resembles the geriatrics but it is more precise than modern concept. Rasayana & Vajeekaran, these are the two magic therapies contributed by Ayurveda in the field of medicine. Ayurveda has the potential to grow as the best substitution for modern geriatrics. By adopting the basic principles of Ayurveda along with dietetics, Panchakarma, Ayurvedic medicines, Yoga it can serve the purpose of longevity. Ayurveda believes that Vata Dosha becomes more prominent & active in later stages of life which produces diseases like dementia, Parkinsonism, paralysis, osteoarthritis, deafness, cataract etc. This Prakupit Vata Dosha produces imbalance between anabolism & catabolism leading to wasting of body in this group of people. The Indian government has also started certain welfare programs for elderly people. It is the responsibility of every society to add certain healthy years to this population. The present article will give the special emphasis on longevity of life in elderly people through Ayurveda.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Geriatrics, Rasayana, Vata Dosha, Longevity.