Effect of Certain Dinacharya Measures and Dietary Practices on Quality of Life of Elderly: A Cross Sectional Survey Study

Abstract

Old age is sensitive period of life that needs extra care, so as to manage many of age related disorders that affect the quality of life of an elderly. As per Ayurveda, Ageing is a natural phenomenon.  To achieve the goal of maintaining the health, Dinacharya (daily regimen), which includes certain measures like body massage, head and feet massage, incorporation of milk and ghee in diet due to their rejuvenating effect and many more simple and effective modes. Aims: To assess the effect of certain Dinacharya (daily regimen) and dietary practices on quality of life of elderly Methodology: Cross sectional survey of 100 elderly in age group 60-90yrs residing in and around Delhi NCR was conducted. The data was collected with the help of specially designed questionnaire about practices of daily regimens and EQ-5D-5L questionnaire to assess quality of life. Observations and Results: The study shows that 72 % subjects had poor to average score with respect to EQ 5D scale. Regular adoption of daily regimen in the form of exercise (36 % subjects), intake of milk (46 % subjects) Intake of ghee (13 % subjects), proper sleep (85 % subjects) and body massage with oil (39 % subjects) and head massage with oil (39 % subjects) is moderate. Conclusion: Old age being a vulnerable period of life, healthy regimen should be adopted as early as possible to experience less morbidity during old age. Extensive adaptation of daily regimen as mentioned in Ayurveda is needed to reduce the health care burden causes due to geriatric dependency.