ABSTRACT: Background: Longevity has been a central theme in both Ayurvedic literature and modern medical sciences. Acharya Sushruta described physical and psychological signs predictive of life span, many of which align with current concepts of health, genetics, and biological aging. Aim: To analyse Ayurvedic indicators of long, medium, and short life expectancy and correlate them with modern biomedical predictors. Materials and Methods: A qualitative analytical approach was adopted. Classical Ayurvedic texts, primarily Sushruta Samhita was reviewed to identify signs of longevity. These were compared with contemporary biological concepts, including tissue integrity, anatomical symmetry, neurodevelopmental stability, and genetic resilience. Results: Ayurveda associates long life with well-developed joints, balanced sensory functions, symmetrical physique, uninterrupted health from intrauterine life, and gradual intellectual development. These features correspond to modern indicators such as connective tissue strength, morphogenetic balance, genetic stability, and absence of congenital disorders. Medium or short life spans are attributed to partial or complete deviations from these characteristics, which parallel premature aging markers, dysmorphic traits, and systemic vulnerabilities in modern science. Conclusion: Ayurvedic markers of longevity are based on observable anatomical and psychological traits that resonate with current biomedical insights into aging and systemic health. Bridging these perspectives highlights the scientific foundation of classical concepts and supports the development of integrative approaches in predictive diagnostics and personalized healthcare.
Katekhaye et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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