Local Women Learn about Aging with Fewer Problems

Yolanda Sanchez, 60, cared for her husband for seven years. She shuttled her husband to doctor visits, and did everything that was required of her, as his health declined. Spending countless nights by his side at the hospital. 

Three years ago, Sanchez’s husband died, succumbing to complications from diabetes.

 “He breathed in and a tear fell down his cheek,” said Sanchez, as she remembered his last breathe. “I wiped it with the napkin.”

Death is a difficult part of life, but it doesn’t have to be in some ways.

Sanchez along with her husband were ready for what was to come, and had all of their affairs in order, before the inevitable occurred.  Most, women, like Sanchez, face their last years of life alone. A reality, that has forced Sanchez to start thinking about her plans for the future, so that she does not become a burden on herself and family. 

For this reason Sanchez opted to attend, “Women to Women – Living Longer and Living Smart,” a conference that was organized by American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) at the Girls Clubhouse at South Gate Park in South Gate this past Friday.

Here women were able to hear about some of the issues that they will face as they get older.

“This Summit is about women’s health and lifestyle, coverage and long term care plans,” said Gracia Rubios, representative of American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) in California. “We want to give [them] a whole list of things to think about to live longer and stronger.”

The first set of documents that women were encouraged to have were health related. These could be records detailing immunization history, and a complete family history. Things that can help women keep track and better face health problems that might arise.

“Start it and chart it,” Rubios said. “If you help yourself, you’ll feel less overwhelmed.”

The next step is to complete all legal documents, such as a testament, a living will, and a power of attorney.

A testament dictates a person’s wishes regarding what to do with possessions and children in case of death. The living will says what the person wishes regarding life prolonging medical treatments. While a, power of attorney, will allow a person to represent someone by proxy, in case they are incapacitated.

“You have to be financially and physically fit,” stressed Janet Morris of Bet Tzedek, non-profit organization that provides free legal advice.  “You have to [also] commit to talking about your values, make sure everyone knows what you want.”

Morris also added that completing the appropriate paperwork will allow a person and their family to avoid the “too late” situations, which can cost thousands of dollars in court

Sanchez, who still has the napkin containing her husband’s last tear, does not want her daughter, Lydia Rayas, to have a tough time when it comes to taking care of her in the future.

“I have to learn a lot,” said Sanchez, who was satisfied with the conference. “This information will allow me to live easier.”

Keep up with South Gate Patch Latino by subscribing to breaking news alerts, liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter. Have an event or announcement you'd like to publicize? Submit them for free.