Geriatric care in pandemic era: From the perspective of Unani medicine guidelines

Background: Elderly people are at a greater risk of developing COVID-19. They are facing the most challenges during the pandemic era because of preexisting medical conditions (such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases, or neoplasm). As per the first longitudinal aging study (LASI) in India released by the Union Ministry of Family and Health Welfare on 6 January 2020, two out of every three senior citizens in India are suffering from some chronic diseases. Considering the fact that the elderly are at a higher risk of serious complications and mortality with COVID-19, dietotherapy and other regimenal therapy guidelines described by Unani physicians can possibly play a significant interventional role against COVID-19 by improving the general body condition. Aim of Study: The primary aim of this review paper is to organize all reliable literary resources in Unani medicine regarding geriatric care to make geriatric age groups safe and secure during this pandemic. Materials and Methods: This review study of geriatric care was carried out with the aid of the Unani classical textbooks and the research updates on geriatric care, aging, dietotherapy, and regimenal therapy that were retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. Observation and Results: The information given by Unani physicians in ancient times has proved to be very useful and authentic to overcome this pandemic. In today’s research, modern theories and inventions also validate and accept the relevance of all the recommendations or practices given by Unani physicians. Conclusion: This entire article focuses on the recommendations of Unani medicine for geriatric care. Dietotherapy and other regimenal therapy described in this article can possibly play a significant interventional role against COVID-19 by improving the general body condition.