“No matter how old you are, if you have a chronic condition, it’s important to bring someone with you to your doctor’s appointment.”

buy Diane Archer

“We live in an ‘every man for himself’ society at a time when we would fare better recognizing the benefits of being “all in it together.” Social solidarity has a lot to say for it when it comes to our health and financial security. At the policy level, there’s no better testament to the value of social solidarity than Medicare and Social Security. And, at the personal level, there’s mounting evidence that we improve our health when we have a buddy.

“Most older adults see many different health care providers and depend on their families to navigate their health care options and coordinate their care. Family members can be terrific health care buddies. But nearly one in four older adults are elder orphans, with no one to help them with their care questions and coordination. Imagine figuring out when to enroll in Medicare and what choices to make on your own?

“The data suggest that having a health care buddy improves your health and extends your life.”

Continue reading this article at justcareusa.org.