Decline of Agni as a marker of aging: an Ayurvedic geriatric perspective

Abstract

Ayurveda recognizes Agni, the biological and metabolic fire, as the fundamental determinant
of health, vitality, and longevity. Ayurvedic texts emphasize that balanced Agni sustains physiological harmony, while its impairment leads to disease and degeneration. Aging (Jara) is described as a natural, time-bound process characterized by Vāta predominance, Dhātu kṣaya, and progressive decline in functional capacity. Among these changes, gradual weakening of Agni emerges as a central and consistent phenomenon. The present study aims to explore the decline of Agni as a conceptual and functional marker of aging from Ayurvedic geriatric perspective. This work is based on an extensive literary review of Ayurvedic texts including Bṛhattrayī and LaghuTrayī. Relevant concepts from modern gerontology and metabolism were also reviewed for conceptual correlation. The analysis reveals that aging is intrinsically associated with Agni mandya, resulting in reduced digestive capacity, impaired nutrient assimilation, weakened tissue metabolism, and diminished formation of successive Dhātus. The predominance of Vāta in old age, with its rukṣa, laghu, and śīta qualities, directly antagonizes Agni, accelerating metabolic decline and tissue depletion. Classical descriptions of reduced strength, vitality, appetite, and resilience in the elderly closely parallel modern observations of metabolic slowdown, reduced enzyme activity, hormonal decline, sarcopenia, and impaired cellular repair. The study highlights that maintaining Agni through appropriate Ahāra, Vihāra, Vāta- śamana, and Rasāyana measures may play a vital role in promoting healthy aging. Ayurveda thus offers a holistic framework wherein Agni functions not merely as a digestive entity, but as a key indicator of biological aging, resilience, and longevity.