A Canadian Speaks Out on Health Care in Canada, the USA and Lake Chapala Ajijic Mexico

Hello Sid,

I ran across some interesting information that got me thinking.

Did you know that according to the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) the United States spends $7,290 US per person on health care?

Mexico spends $823

Life expectancy in Mexico is 76 years and in the States it is 78.   How come so much more money is spent in the States with such a small amount of return???

There is a life expectancy calculator at http://www.livingto100.com/ that you can take.  I did it and when I was done discovered that I would live longer if I lived in Mexico!!

I had already figured that out before I read all these statistics

THAT’s why we sold our home after spending last winter in Chapala.

THAT’s why we have you as our agent helping us to find a home there.  (What a blessing to have found you Sid, you have been wonderful – thank you so much).

Here is why I know I’m going to live longer and better in Chapala.

When I wake up in the morning and it’s going to be a beautiful sunny day I just feel so much better.   Knowing I can make plans to meet friends and not be hampered by lousy weather also makes me feel better.

Having friends and things to do also makes me feel good.

Hearing the birds sing – looking at the beautiful surroundings – hearing laughter and music makes me feel wonderful.

Feelings affect our physical well being more than we realize.  All those hormones and endorphins jumping for joy are good medicine.

Not having to worry because I cannot find a medical doctor (in Canada there is a shortage).  The medical community have even come up with label - I’m a  ”medical orphan” because I can’t find a doctor since mine retired.  There are LOTS of us here in Canada.

When I was in Mexico last winter I got an appointment with a wonderful doctor in Aijiic for the next day – he resolved my issues and the cost was $15.  That certainly reduced my stress.

As I get older it may will be more difficult to keep up with household chores, but in Mexico I can have some help for a few dollars.

I know one lady who did not want to go to a nursing home so hired a wonderful girl to come into her home daily, prepare her meals, clean the house and take her to appointments and to meet her friends – the cost was a fraction of a nursing home ($600 per month).

Imagine being able to afford help at home so we can be independent and together!!  This certainly reduced any stress I have about getting older on a pension.

Perhaps you can use some of the above to let people know what they are missing by being unsure and afraid to make a change.   One winter in Chapala will change them forever and I’m sure it will extend their life!

Thanks Sid

Deanne

p.s. I’ve attached a picture of my friend, Pat, who was concerned because I was going to live in Mexico – I got her down for a visit – she changed her mind.  Now she is jealous and thinks I’m one smart cookie!

With surroundings like this who wouldn’t be jealous!

Hello Sid,

I ran across some interesting information that got me thinking.

Did you know that according to the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) the United States spends $7,290 US per person on health care?

Mexico spends $823

Life expectancy in Mexico is 76 years and in the States it is 78.   How come so much more money is spent in the States with such a small amount of return???

There is a life expectancy calculator at http://www.livingto100.com/ that you can take.  I did it and when I was done discovered that I would live longer if I lived in Mexico!!

I had already figured that out before I read all these statistics

THAT’s why we sold our home after spending last winter in Chapala.

THAT’s why we have you as our agent helping us to find a home there.  (What a blessing to have found you Sid, you have been wonderful – thank you so much).

Here is why I know I’m going to live longer and better in Chapala.

When I wake up in the morning and it’s going to be a beautiful sunny day I just feel so much better.   Knowing I can make plans to meet friends and not be hampered by lousy weather also makes me feel better.

Having friends and things to do also makes me feel good.

Hearing the birds sing – looking at the beautiful surroundings – hearing laughter and music makes me feel wonderful.

Feelings affect our physical well being more than we realize.  All those hormones and endorphins jumping for joy are good medicine.

Not having to worry because I cannot find a medical doctor (in Canada there is a shortage).  The medical community have even come up with label - I’m a  ”medical orphan” because I can’t find a doctor since mine retired.  There are LOTS of us here in Canada.

When I was in Mexico last winter I got an appointment with a wonderful doctor in Aijiic for the next day – he resolved my issues and the cost was $15.  That certainly reduced my stress.

As I get older it may will be more difficult to keep up with household chores, but in Mexico I can have some help for a few dollars.

I know one lady who did not want to go to a nursing home so hired a wonderful girl to come into her home daily, prepare her meals, clean the house and take her to appointments and to meet her friends – the cost was a fraction of a nursing home ($600 per month).

Imagine being able to afford help at home so we can be independent and together!!  This certainly reduced any stress I have about getting older on a pension.

Perhaps you can use some of the above to let people know what they are missing by being unsure and afraid to make a change.   One winter in Chapala will change them forever and I’m sure it will extend their life!

Thanks Sid

Deanne

p.s. I’ve attached a picture of my friend, Pat, who was concerned because I was going to live in Mexico – I got her down for a visit – she changed her mind.  Now she is jealous and thinks I’m one smart cookie!

With surroundings like this who wouldn’t be jealous!

She was shocked that Guadalajara had such fantastic shopping centers!  She thought it was all markets and small vendors -