Dheerghayushmanbava – A survey on the perceptions of doctors towards physiology of aging and self-care strategies for healthy aging and longevity.

Authors

  • Dr. Lodugu Reshma Shireesha Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Government Medical College Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Dr. Sharmila Nalli Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Government Medical College Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Dr. Paleti Nanda Kumar Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Guntur medical College, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Dr. Yavvari Raghu Srinivas Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Government medical College Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Dr. Venkata Venu Gopala Raju Srijampana Professor and Head, Department of Physiology, ASRAM Medical College, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1767

Keywords:

Physiology of aging, healthy aging, longevity, self-care strategies, physicians’ perceptions, geroscience, lifestyle medicine

Abstract

Background
The global rise in aging populations underscores the need to understand healthcare professionals’ perspectives on the physiology of aging and strategies to promote healthy longevity. Physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, and personal practices significantly influence public health promotion and geriatric care delivery. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of doctors regarding aging physiology and self-care interventions for healthy aging and extended lifespan.

 Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 medical professionals from various specialties across India using a pre-validated structured questionnaire. The tool assessed demographics, perceptions on aging biology, importance attributed to self-care strategies, personal adoption of healthy aging behaviors, awareness of longevity-enhancing interventions, and perceived barriers to promoting healthy aging. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings.

 Results
The majority (41.0%) of respondents were aged 36–45 years, with 55.0% males and 45.0% females. Most doctors (91.5%) agreed that aging is a natural biological process, and 77.0% identified hormonal decline as a key contributor. Balanced diet (94.0%), physical activity (92.5%), and smoking/alcohol avoidance (90.5%) were rated as essential for longevity. However, only 55.0% underwent annual health check-ups and 49.0% used dietary supplements. While 65.0% were aware of caloric restriction, only 28.5% practiced it. Common barriers included lack of patient compliance (42.0%) and inadequate public awareness (36.5%).

 Conclusion
Doctors largely recognize aging as a natural and modifiable process and acknowledge the value of lifestyle-based longevity strategies. However, there is a noticeable gap between their perceived importance and actual implementation of such practices in personal and clinical contexts.

 Recommendations
Targeted training in geroscience, physician wellness programs, and public education campaigns are recommended to bridge the knowledge-practice gap and enhance the role of doctors in promoting healthy aging.

Author Biographies

Dr. Lodugu Reshma Shireesha, Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Government Medical College Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Dr. Lodugu Reshma Shireesha is an Associate Professor of Physiology at Government Medical College, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India. She completed her MBBS and MD in Physiology from Kurnool Medical College and holds an Advanced Course in Medical Education (ACME) from JIPMER. With over 13 years of teaching experience, she has published multiple research papers focusing on physiology, public health, and innovative teaching methodologies. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7123-8070

Dr. Sharmila Nalli, Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Government Medical College Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Dr. Sharmila Nalli is an Associate Professor of Physiology with over 11 years of teaching experience. She completed her MBBS from Rangaraya Medical College, D.O. from KMC Warangal, and MD in Physiology from Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam. She has served at ASRAM Medical College, Eluru, and Rangaraya Medical College, Kakinada. Dr. Sharmila has authored five research publications in reputed journals. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8085-0771.

Dr. Paleti Nanda Kumar, Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Guntur medical College, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Dr. Paleti Nanda Kumar is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology at Guntur Medical College, Guntur. He holds both his MBBS and MD in Physiology degrees from the same institution. Dr. Paleti Nanda Kumar, in his 11 years and 8 months of teaching experience, has authored nine research publications in reputed journals focusing on Physiology, public health, and teaching methods. Orcid ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6125-7095.

Dr. Yavvari Raghu Srinivas, Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Government medical College Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Dr. Yavvari Raghu Srinivas is an Assistant Professor in Physiology at Government Medical College, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India. He completed his MBBS from Rangaraya Medical College and MD in Physiology from Andhra Medical College. With over five years of teaching experience post-PG, he has authored six research publications in medical education and physiology. His academic interests include innovative teaching methodologies and neurophysiological studies.ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4834-9434

Dr. Venkata Venu Gopala Raju Srijampana, Professor and Head, Department of Physiology, ASRAM Medical College, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India

Dr. Venkata Venu Gopala Raju Srijampana, currently working as Professor and Head of Department of Physiology at Alluri Sitarama Raju Academy of Medical Sciences, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India. Dr. Venkata Venu Gopala Raju Srijampana exemplifies excellence in Physiology, securing the top position in MD - Physiology in United Andhra Pradesh in 2006, setting a record mark at Dr NTR University of Health Sciences. His accolades include the Best Speaker award and a Gold medal. He has delivered over 30 highly insightful guest lectures. Beyond accolades, He has authored 25 scientific papers and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences. Orcid id: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8529-4225.

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Published

2025-06-30

How to Cite

Shireesha, L. R. ., Nalli, S. ., Kumar, P. N. ., Srinivas, Y. R. ., & Srijampana, V. V. G. R. . (2025). Dheerghayushmanbava – A survey on the perceptions of doctors towards physiology of aging and self-care strategies for healthy aging and longevity. Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 6(6), 10. https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1767

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 6 (2025): June 2025 Issue

Section

Section of Anatomy & Physiology

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Lodugu Reshma Shireesha, Dr. Sharmila Nalli, Dr. Paleti Nanda Kumar, Dr. Yavvari Raghu Srinivas, Dr. Venkata Venu Gopala Raju Srijampana

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