knowledge. Discussion. Ashramadharma has several elements of gerontological significance. First, the ashrama scheme supplies an age-specific structure.
J.R.A.S. Vol. XXVIII, No.4, Oct-Dec'07 pp.I-19
GERIATRIC HEALTH CARE - A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE Ala Narayana', Thrigulla Saketh Ram2 and Varanasi Subhose ' Vriddha sevi hi satatam rakshobhirapi pujyate, Manu Smriti VIl/38 .. "One who serves the Elderly is adored by even Rakshasas" Oriental and Far East traditions and
Indian
Sub continent's
historical
and
other ancient traditions are well known for
socio-cultural continuum. Elderly care by
their close-knit family relationships. They
default is in build in Ayurvedic medical care. The article sums up special considerations applicable for the senior citizens with respect to dietetic, behavioral,
have long traditions of respecting elders and ageing is accepted as an essential phenomenon of life and is well accepted with dignity. One can find concrete references with special considerations to Geriatric care in Ayurveda. This article tries to collate the demographic, social, anthropological and cultural roots of elderly care from ancient Indian scriptures like
Vedas,
Dharmash.astra
(Manu,
Apastambha, Baudhayana dharmasutra etc.,) and moves on to examine the provisions available in other religious systems. Ayurveda is an integral part of
therapeutic etc. Background The social and physical well-being of the elderly population is becoming an important issue for India. At present there are 76.62 million people in India who are over 60 years of age, which is 7.5% of the total population in the year 200 I. The current decline in fertility and increase in life expectancy will continue to enlarge the elderly population.
I. Director, 3. Research Officer CAy.), 2. S.R.F. (Ph.D.), Indian Institute of History of Medicine (IIHM), 3rd Floor, Osmania Medical College, Putlibowli, Hyderabad-500 095
Ala Narayana .et al.
The trend of growing population world over -
elderly
the growth of the aged population happening at a more rapid pace.
The rise in the proportion of the ageing
Though developed
countries
is
have a
population represents one of the most
relatively high proportion of the elderly,
significant history.
in
the older population is concentrated in the developing world and growing at a much
people who
faster rate. Two-thirds of the elderly live in developing countries. Women comprise
demographic
Year 1950-205 were over 60;
million
shifts
Year 2000,-606 million;
a greater number and proportion of the elderly in almost all societies. This
and by 2050, there will be two billion.
disparity rises as people grow older women comprise 55 per cent of the 60-plus population; in the 80-plus set, they are 65 per cent; and in the l Ou-plus, 77 per cent.
The number of the elderly trebled over the last 50 years and an encore is expected in the next 50 years. As a proportion of the total world population, the number of the elderly will double in the next 50 years
Indian Scenario
(figure I). This demographic change is fast turning the hair of policy-makers prematurely grey throughout the world,
In India, the elderly population
has
grown manifold. While only 19 million people were 60-plus in 1947, today the
especially in developing countries, where
figure has risen to nearly 80 million, an
Ii
Figure I : (Source: World Population Ageing 2007; United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division) 2
GERIATRIC HEALTH CARE. .... ~"1~'R
