Feature:

Lola Augustina’s new 
beginning after 109

By Pepin

Last March 18, Lola Agustina died at the age of 109. Her remarkable age may have weakened her body, but in the hearts of those who cared for her, she will remain as a true inspiration of life and living.

I was lucky enough to be given a chance to take care of Lola Augustina when we had our exposure at Asilo De Molo, a place which I would often refer to as God’s little home for the neglected elderly. In one way or another, I have become a part her life; and so is she to mine. I would describe her physically as having a frail frame, totally shut eyes, and of course white hair. She would normally coil on her bed and experience some trouble getting up because of her arched back. She depended a lot on people taking care of her to do her activities of daily living – bathing, toileting, grooming, and eating. 

She usually remained on her bed for the entire day, but she can still get up, sit, and dangle her legs on the sides. The food that was being served to her would usually be something soft and easy to swallow. None of her teeth withstood her age, that’s why she frequently experienced choking. Although she struggled a lot on coping up with her weakness, Lola Augustina would always be as fresh as the morning dew the following day.

Because of her age, a lot of people visiting Asilo loved to take a glimpse of her. She was admired by many because she was already older than a century. But for me, what I loved about her was that she gave me a reason to get up every morning to go on duty. I was always looking forward to see her and to hear her morning orders, like “Inday, lihog tubig (give me water)!” “Tama na (to stop feeding when she feels choking)!” and “Ari kwarta, bakal ‘to bugas (hands over loose change to buy her rice).” And it was just amusing to see how she would slowly hide her purse in safety behind her blouse. When asked how much money her purse contains, she usually answers, “Pulo ka sentimos (ten centavos).” This would keep me and my colleagues thinking that her memory was completely fenced in Spanish times. 

She cared less of the kind of person caring for her, and she made no complaint. She would always address her caregiver as “Inday” regardless of the gender. And even if other elderly individuals were enjoying games during culminating activities outside the cottage, she just remained on her post and won’t be bothered by the noise and laughter, as long as someone would be with her to feed her and to follow her instructions. 

She died peacefully, without any pain or suffering. The small world she had on her bed touched a lot of nurses, volunteer health workers, and even visitors to care with compassion, not only with the rest of the elderly individuals in Asilo, but also with their parents and aged relatives at home. 

Lola Augustina can finally enjoy a peaceful heaven, unrestrained by age and physical strength.