Textbook of Geriatric Physiology – An Integrative Ayurveda Perspective

PREFACE
Ageing is an inevitable biological process that influences every cell, tissue, organ, and physiological system of the human body. Advances in healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, and medical technology have significantly increased life expectancy worldwide, resulting in a rapidly expanding geriatric population. This demographic transition presents new challenges for healthcare professionals, educators, researchers, and policymakers, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of the physiological changes associated with ageing. While numerous textbooks address geriatric medicine and clinical geriatrics, there remains a distinct need for a comprehensive resource dedicated specifically to the physiology of ageing, particularly one that integrates the profound insights of Ayurveda with contemporary biomedical science.
Textbook of Geriatric Physiology – An Integrative Ayurveda Perspective has been conceived to address this important academic and clinical need. The primary objective of this book is to provide a systematic, evidence-based, and comprehensive understanding of the physiological processes underlying ageing while simultaneously exploring their interpretation through the principles of Ayurveda. Rather than viewing modern physiology and Ayurveda as separate disciplines, this textbook presents them as complementary systems of knowledge that collectively enrich our understanding of healthy ageing, physiological adaptation, resilience, and longevity.
The book begins with the fundamental biology of ageing, covering cellular, molecular, genetic, and epigenetic mechanisms that govern the ageing process. It subsequently examines age-related physiological changes across all major organ systems, including the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, musculoskeletal, integumentary, immune, hematological, and reproductive systems. These chapters establish a scientific foundation for understanding the structural and functional adaptations that occur throughout the is our sincere hope that Textbook of Geriatric Physiology – An Integrative Ayurveda Perspective will serve as a reliable academic resource, foster evidence-based integrative thinking, and contribute meaningfully to education, research, and healthcare dedicated to improving the quality of life of the ageing population.