Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Might the U.S. Have Important Lessons to Learn from Cuba About Healthcare and Aging?
Having lived several years in Miami, I have long had a bit of fascination with the island nation of Cuba. So close, and yet so far away. While working in Ireland in 2010, my interest increased, as I learned more about modern-day Cuba from Dr. Una Lynch, a public health specialist, who had frequently traveled and worked in Cuba. She gave a presentation that opened my eyes to Cuba's WHO statistics, its reputation for a "first world" health care system, and the positve outcomes on aging and longevity. See here and here for more comparative discussions on Cuban health care.
It was a happy surprise for many to learn of the dramatic plans to restore diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba. At the same time, I suspect that some of my Cuban-American friends in Miami may be torn, especially as many of their families were forced to flee Havana years ago. One friend has akready reacted happily, commenting, "This is a bold move and long overdue." Feliz aňo nuevo!
https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/elder_law/2014/12/might-the-us-have-important-lessons-to-learn-about-healthcare-and-longevity-from-cuba.html