Tārīkh-i pizishkī i.e., Medical History

Abstract

Senility is a natural phenomenon in which physical, spiritual and mental activities of a person decrease and these physiological changes are homogeneous in different people, but their velocity may vary. The physical changes in this period include reduction of corporeal power and weakness of the limbs and tissues and a decrease in efficiency of the digestion system, and absorbing nourishments and etc, and also corruption in mental balance and lack of it, depression, hopelessness, feeling of vanity and other similar conditions and being careless about the body and the spirit [soul] and not paying enough attention to it will result in acceleration of early aging and consequently in early death. Senility and paying attention to corporeal, spiritual and mental hygiene during this period have been taken into consideration from ancient times, especially in traditional and Islamic medicine by the scientist of these fields, and every each of them has presented detailed applicable plans for this era of life. Amongst this scientist, Razi, Avicenna and Jorjani have specified some chapters in medicine for elder people, specially their hygiene, sport and activities and have divulged some instructions for them.

In this article, by studying the history and old medicine sources and other provided articles in this field, the authors attempt to state the perspectives of each of these sages from the past centuries about senility, which have been obtained through hard efforts and worthy experiences.