Lifestyle Factors in Geriatric Depression and Its Ayurvedic Management

Abstract

The demographic changes during last 50 years have led to the increased importance being given to the geriatric care all over the world. The control of the infectious diseases because of discovery of newer antibiotics, the improved emergency care and coming up of ICUs and CCUs have led to the increased mean life span leading to the growth in the elderly population and at the same time decrease in the children and young population because of improved birth control and family welfare measures. Thus, the phenomenon of population reversal is clearly obvious in the western and developed countries while it is slowly happening in the Indian scenario. The demographic trends and projections revealed that a continuously increasing section of population, comprising of the old, retired, financially needy, helpless, disease prone, vulnerable people shall continue to increase the burden and responsibility of the government in a welfare state like ours. Proper attitude and planning are necessary towards their problems to take care of their psychological, social, economic, and health problems so that they can enjoy a good quality of life. The complete care thus needs a multidisciplinary and multidimensional approach.