Nursing in Primary Health Care and Ayurveda for the Care of Older Adults
Keywords:
enfermería; atención primaria de salud; adulto mayor; ayurveda; gerontología.Abstract
Introduction: Population aging in Cuba constitutes a growing challenge for Primary Health Care (PHC), especially due to the high prevalence of chronic diseases, frailty, functional dependence, and the psychosocial needs of older adults. In the context, nursing plays an essential role in health promotion, complication prevention, health education, and the continuous support of older adults their families.
Objective: To critically analyze the feasibility and relevance of integrating the ayurvedic approach into nursing practice in Primary Health Care, with emphasis on the care or older adults.
Development: The close relationship between nursing staff and the community makes them a strategy actor in identifying risks, strengthening self-care, and coordinating interdisciplinary actions aimed at improving the quality of life of older adults. Ayurveda, integrated within the framework of Natural and Traditional Medicine (NTM), offers a holistic vision of aging based on balance between body, mind, and environment conventional care through interventions focused on healthy habits, stress management, emotional well-being, and integral balance. These aspects are particularly valuable in older adults with multimorbidity, chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, or reduced autonomy.
Conclusions: This opinion article supports the idea that PHC nursing and Ayurvedic medicine can find common ground: person-centered care for older adults. The key lies in integration and complementarity.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Zoraine Antunez Sierra, María del Carmen Lamazares Pérez , Daniuska Gonzalez Ménes
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