Well Jane, when it is someone I know that is genuinely having health issues, I'll listen with all sincerity and try to comfort them as best as I can ...and umm...there are some like my mommy...she feels relieved whenever I listen to her medical problems which are usually imaginary....but I listen attentively and comfort her...she can then sleep relaxed...( I talk to her daily in her night time...the time zone difference;))
Which is quite common among people my age. And often forms the bulk of conversations. Actually I don't really have any serious as yet (knock wood!) so I chime in with my aches and pains of aging. Possible that without such things we would not have much to talk about at all!
Bozette 