The Ministry of Ayush and the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on February 12, 2025, to provide senior citizens in the country with Ayush-based interventions for substance abuse. Ayush refers to Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy treatment. The collaboration promises to address geriatric issues, spread awareness, and promote seniors' well-being.
In a country where the elderly population is increasing fast and is projected to reach around 20 per cent of the total population by 2050, it becomes crucial to look into elderly issues and address them. Among several age-related issues, health is one of the primary issues, ranging from physical to mental health comprising problems like substance abuse.
"Geriatric healthcare and substance abuse are critical areas that require special focus, especially as we face an ageing population and growing concerns around addiction," PTI reported citing Prataprao Jadhav, the Union Minister of Ayush.
Researches also show the side effects of the regular and heavy use of alcohol leading to an increased range of health problems, like diabetes, liver damage, bone problems, hypertension, etc. The excessive use of prescription drugs too can affect the elderly by making them vulnerable to locomotor, visual, or auditory impairment. According to a review article of the study Substance Use In Elderly: A Way Forward -Indian Perspective published on ReserchGate in 2021 “Substance use in elderly is found to be associated with altered pharmacokinetics, brain structure, and function, affecting general well-being, psycho-motor activity, mood, speech, perception, consciousness, and memory. All this may in turn lead to deficits in the physical and psychological functioning of a person”.
What Seniors Can Expect From Ayush And DoSJE Collaboration:
The collaboration aims to adopt the Ayush approach for the holistic well-being of the elderly affected by substance abuse and other health-related issues.
Reportedly, the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, B L Verma said that the MoU envisions the development of elderly-specific training modules, sharing of preventive and curative practices, yoga training programs, treatment protocols, etc. This will help enable senior citizens to lead a healthy life.
The objective is to provide a comprehensive healthcare solution to the elderly in the country. It not only includes providing Ayush care to seniors but also running awareness campaigns, capacity-building programmes for service providers, and establishing de-addiction and geriatric care units under the Ayush autonomous bodies. The initiative aims to promote healthcare among the elderly, reduce drug demand, address substance abuse, and provide support in their mental rehabilitation.
Notably, there is not much research available in the area of substance abuse in seniors and their mental health. The collaboration of ministries is expected to promote health care not only for the geriatric populace but also for other people affected by substance abuse and encourage traditional healthcare practices.
