Expert Q&A With John Whyte, MD
As WebMD’s Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, MD, has a unique perspective on both the current state of healthcare for older adults in America and future trends. We asked him to share his insights on a few key issues and offer some advice.
WebMD: What are some of the biggest challenges older adults face in accessing healthcare today?
JW: Cost, transportation, and quality of care remain significant challenges for older adults. Medicare doesn’t cover all expenses, leaving many patients struggling to afford prescriptions and doctor visits. This often leads to skipping doctor appointments or being unable to refill medications. Additionally, inadequate transportation makes it difficult for many older adults to get to their medical appointments. As their health conditions increase and doctor visits become shorter, it’s harder to address all their health needs, which can result in poor management of chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
JW: Everyone, including older adults, will need to become more tech-savvy when navigating the healthcare system. Digital tools, like sensors and trackers, are increasingly helpful in managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure—areas that brief office visits don’t always fully address. Virtual reality tools will also become more prevalent. However, since many older adults didn’t grow up with these technologies, it could create barriers for some. We must ensure that everyone, especially older adults, has access to these innovations, which can enhance their healthcare experience and lead to better outcomes.
WebMD: How will COVID-19 impact the doctor-patient relationship moving forward?
WebMD: What’s your top piece of advice for patients or caregivers on navigating the healthcare system successfully?
WebMD: If you were talking to a loved one over 70, what’s the top piece of healthcare advice you’d give them for self-care?
JW: It’s never too late to benefit from a healthier lifestyle. If you smoke, quit. If you’re not physically active, start slow—even small steps, like reducing how much you sit during the day, can make a difference. Being active doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym; there are plenty of things you can do at home. Also, look at your diet and treat food like medicine—it can be as effective as prescription drugs, and in some cases, it might even help reduce the number of medications you need. Finally, always listen to your body. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to check in with your doctor.
