GARDENA — A series of free educational workshops about “Navigating Transitions in Life” will be held on Saturdays, Oct. 11, Oct. 25, and Nov. 15, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute, 1964 W. 162nd St. in Gardena.
The workshops will encourage Asian American seniors, caregivers, and others who want to plan ahead for a healthy, active life to begin a conversation on decision-making for the future. The presentations will take into account cultural factors involved in these choices and decisions for Asian Americans as they age. The program will be presented in English with simultaneous interpretation in Japanese.
On Oct. 11, a discussion will be held on “How to Effectively Communicate with Your Doctor.” Sayaka Weis, MD, MPH candidate, will advise how to best prepare for your doctor’s visits to have your needs met and improve communication. Get quick tips on how you can play an active role in making your health care decisions in partnership with your doctor, as many of today’s patients are doing.
On Oct. 25, Amy Phillips, director of senior services at the Little Tokyo Service Center, will facilitate a discussion of “Senior Housing Options.” Where we live and the kind of housing we prefer may change over time. If we have kids, we look for a house with lots of bedrooms and may choose the location based on the school district. Some people may choose to downsize after their kids are grown. Sometimes, a change in income after retirement affects our choice of housing. Still, others may choose to live in a community based on the availability of services and transportation.
On Nov. 15, a workshop titled “Affordable Health Care” will help to clarify the various insurance options, which can be quite confusing. Three panelists from Asian Americans Advancing Justice-LA, the National Senior Citizens Law Center, and the Center for Health Care Rights will explain health care options through Covered California, Medicare, and Medi-Cal.
Parking is available on the premises as well as in the surrounding neighborhood. The seminar is open to all, but pre-registration is required for admission. To register, visit www.LTSC.org or call LTSC at (213) 473-3035.