“Will” you be prepared?: Wills and Advance Directives Workshop

Free event will help individuals communicate last requests

AUGUSTA, Ga. – “Leaving a Lasting Legacy: Advance Directives and Wills,” a joint venture between AARP Georgia and Augusta-Richmond Public Library System is a workshop that will help attendees  learn how to ensure that their wishes are protected.

To register for this free event on Thursday, Dec. 7 from 11:30 am to 1 pm at the Headquarters Library (823 Telfair St., Augusta), go to https://aarp.cvent.com/AugustaLeaveaLastingLegacy or call 1-877-926-8300.

“AARP’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for all people as we age,” said AARP Georgia Associate State Director, Community Outreach Alice Bennett. “Being able to provide individuals with the resources they need to protect their future and their legacy is just one very important way we help fulfill that mission.”

Having died in 2016 without a will, the great musical icon Prince left a potentially long battle over his estate by his heirs. But he was not unusual in this—a 2016 Gallup poll found that only 44 percent of American adults have a will. This statistic is further borne out by a caring.com poll that found that only four in 10 American adults have a will or living trust.

In addition, a recent AARP article about the lack of estate planning found that people “hadn’t gotten around to it” (47 percent), and they “don’t have enough assets to leave to anyone” (29 percent).

The Wills and Directives Workshop, the second in the Georgia Library Learning series, aims to help adults understand the importance of preparing for their future because more than money and property are at stake—provisions for health care and end-of-life requests are also part of this important process.