PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES DUE TO AGEING: A REVIEW

*Dr. Aakanksha Kushwaha, Dr. Avadhesh Kumar, Dr. Anubha Srivastava and Dr. Prakash Raj Singh

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda has a holistic approach toward all the miseries of man and ageing is one of these. Ageing is classified as one of the natural and yapya (palliative) diseases. As age advances, several changes take place in the body in the external appearance in the condition of dosha, dhatu, mala, agni, oja and so on, as well as in the mental and cognitive functions. By 2030, one in five in the world population will be over 65 years old. There are different hypothetical theories explaining the process of ageing. The chronological ageing and biological ageing occur simultaneously in case of timely ageing. In present era we can observe early/premature ageing due to improper life style. Ayurveda has given detailed explanation about physiology of ageing and placed Jarachikitsa amongst the ashtanga of ayurveda. Ayurveda has given importance for geriatrics and has unique contributions in the management of Jaravyadhi. Concepts of Vaya, Kaalaja-Akaalajajara and the physiological changes in Jaravastha along with concept of ageing according to ayurveda and the interpretations of functional impairment occurring during old age have been discussed in detail in this article.

Keywords: Ageing, Jaravastha, Vaya, Kaalaj-Akaalajajara, Geriatrics.