AYUSH (Alternate Systems of Medicine)

Healthcare for the 90 million ageing population is a priority need across all socio-economic sections of society.  Nearly 70% of the elderly population lives in rural areas. About 33% live in areas vulnerable to natural disaster.  At the same time 93% of elders are in the unorganised sector which is characterized by lack of financial, food & social security.  Hence, the acute need for “health” to earn a livelihood for survival.   The use of traditional systems of medicine by the urban population is also not insignificant. 

Geriatric health is synonymous with chronic ailments like arthritis, osteoporosis, reduced cardiopulmonary endurance, reduced muscle strength, hypertension, dementia and depression. Practitioners of modern medicine have also realised the urgent need for an “holistic approach” in geriatric medical care.  Prevention of poly pharmacy(use of more than two allopathic drugs together) is recommended as this is causing in elders increased vulnerability for morbidity and frailty.  AYUSH as a supplement to relieve poly pharmacy was recommended at the 7th International Congress on Geriatric Care,  held in New Delhi in  2010.

HelpAge India is piloting AYUSH mobile and stationary clinic services for rural elders in Bijnor (Uttar Pradesh), Dehradun.