I was healthy until age 80 when I was diagnosed with lung cancer, and heart issues (I am 82 now). Then tracking my health issues became a part-time job.
And now my health record is so long and complicated that my doctors have difficulty in staying up to date on me.
Fortunately, I have excellent computer skills given my past career. I run my life off of my computer from ordering groceries online, paying bills, to researching my conditions.
I try to help friends and family in my age group (and younger people even!), but some people just are not comfortable with the technology.
Patient portals can be an excellent resource, but some practices have very poor portals - maybe they didn't want to spend $$ to do it right? I check-in online so I don't have to wait in the office.
I would make a suggestion to doctors. When I go in for an appointment there is someone who first interviews me and then the doctor comes in. It is hard to stay focused at an appointment. I would like to have a form before the appointment where I can report relevant symptoms, changes, concerns etc. I would update this form each time I go in for an appointment.
I have noted more than once inaccuracies in the Doctor's notes and they don't always document in their notes what they told me.