As you grow old, several changes take place in your body. Your dosha, Dosha, Dhatu, Mala, Agni, Oja, etc., all tend to change and affect your physical and mental functions. You also become more susceptible to chronic diseases (1). However, you can control your biological ageing by changing your lifestyle and adopting Ayurvedic habits to maintain your health (2).
Before finding out what these Ayurvedic health tips are, let’s understand more about the Ayurvedic view on old age.
Old Age: An Ayurvedic Perspective
Ayurveda calls the old age Vridhavastha and characterises it by degenerative changes. In this stage, Vata Dosha is said to aggravate, causing the decay of Dhatu, perception power of sensory and motor organs, potency, strength, and various mental and cognitive functions. Some of the physical changes that occur as a result of this degeneration include wrinkling of the skin, greying of hair, baldness, etc. (1).
To control the progression of degeneration and prevent various chronic diseases, Ayurveda proposes several lifestyle and dietary habits.
Must Follow Ayurvedic Tips for Senior Citizens
- Eat a Wholesome Diet
According to Ayurveda, senior citizens must eat a Laghu (light), Santarpaka (nutritive) and Dosha-specific diet to promote digestion, metabolism and lifespan (1) (2). They must avoid eating junk food and reduce the consumption of caffeine.
- Eat In Accordance With Circadian Rhythm
The sun represents the fire element, which in the physical body is responsible for the transformation of the food by the digestive fire or Jatharagni. Therefore, when the sun is at its peak during the afternoon, digestion is strongest. Hence, it is recommended to eat the heaviest meal during the midday hours and smaller meals in the morning and evening (2).
- Regulate Your Sleep Cycle
According to Ayurveda, poor sleep patterns can disrupt circadian rhythms and trigger age-associated pathological conditions, paving the path for many health disorders like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive impairment (2). Therefore, Ayurveda recommends taking a good quality and quantity of sleep.
- Follow Ayurvedic Routines
Ayurveda says that all senior citizens must follow a daily routine of self-care. This includes the guidelines related to the time of waking and sleeping, hygiene, massage, meditation, diet, cleansing procedures, bowel habits, and practices for taking care of eyes, ears, nose and skin. These daily habits come under Dinacharya, Raticharya and Ritucharya and help prevent several acute and chronic health conditions (2).
- Practice Abhyanga
Massaging your body regularly with warm herbal oils is called Abhyanga. It helps delay age-associated pathological changes, restore the balance of the Doshas and promote well-being and longevity. It is especially recommended for senior citizens with CNS conditions like brain-related injuries, dementia and mental stress (2).
- Take the Help of Panchakarma
Panchakarma therapies in Ayurveda are considered of great importance for senior citizens. They help detoxify, purify and rejuvenate the body and mind and provide strength and nourishment to the deeper tissues or Dhatus in the body. Snehana and Swedana are known to be the best therapies for senior citizens as they help pacify Vata Dosha in the body (2).
- Practice Yoga, Meditation and Pranayama
Yogic practices help improve muscular strength and body flexibility, enhance respiratory and cardiovascular functions, reduce stress, anxiety and depression, alleviate chronic pain and boost overall health. Therefore, Ayurveda recommends senior citizens to daily practice yoga, meditation and pranayama (2).
- Avoid Unhealthy Habits
Certain lifestyle habits can promote degeneration and aggravate Vata Dosha, such as excessive physical and mental work, vigorous exercise, etc. (1). Ayurveda recommends avoiding these habits, especially during old age.
- Take the Help of Ayurvedic Remedies
There are many Ayurvedic herbs and remedies that can help promote the health of senior citizens, balance their Doshas and ward off diseases.
There are many Ayurvedic herbs and remedies that can help promote the health of senior citizens, balance their Doshas and ward off diseases. Some of the best Ayurvedic solutions for senior citizens include Seniorz Daily Health Booster Granules by Zanducare.
On a Final Note
According to Ayurveda, ageing is a natural and inevitable process. However, it is possible to control certain factors and have healthy ageing. For this, Ayurveda recommends living in harmony with nature, universal consciousness, environment, and individual constitution. It provides many natural health tips for senior citizens to promote their overall health and prevent several health disorders (2).
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3202253/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6148064/
