Senescence and Exercise in Iranian Traditional Medicine: A Review

Abstract

Senescence is a normal stage of life during which physical, spiritual and mental capabilities diminish. Although these changes are similar in all individuals, the speed at which they occur may differ from one person to another. The physical changes in this period of life include reduced strength of the body, organs, and tissues, lowered efficacy of the digestive tract, diminished digestion and absorption, as well as mental disorders and imbalance, depression, desperation, feeling useless, etc. Neglecting physical and mental health in senescence will expedite the process of senility, leading to premature death. In traditional Iranian and Islamic medicine, special attention has been paid to senescence and physical, mental and spiritual health in this period. The scientists of old times have organized elaborate plans and recommendations for senescence. Among these scientists, the most notable include Rhazes, Hakim Meisari, Avicenna, and Jorjani, each of whom assigned certain chapters of their medical essays to the senile issues, particularly health and physical exercise of the senile. The traditional Iranian medicine is based on "maintaining health" through "regulation of lifestyle and the six basic rules based on each person's intrinsic characteristics". In this review article, we will attempt to explain and clarify the attitude of notable figures in traditional medicine towards senescence through historical research and review of classical medical texts and studies dealing with them.