Working to live, dying from work

Studies show that Hispanic farmworkers are likely to be injured on the job, and as they age, suffer from overuse injuries and long-term illnesses linked to working in the fields. But few of those who are in the United States legally have investments for retirement and most face looming medical costs. Undocumented workers who are aging out of the workforce have even fewer options.

Section:Gallery

Sun., Jan. 15, 2017

Isabel Vega waits for a van to take her and her daughter Irene Vega, to an Orchard north of Wenatchee -- near Chelan, Wash -- to work on Friday, July 15, 2016, in Wenatchee, Wash.

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A van carrying workers heads into an orchard on Friday, July 15, 2016, near Chelan, Wash.

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Isabel Vega, 65, works to prune apple trees on Friday, July 15, 2016, in an orchard near Chelan, Wash. "People see beauty here," she said. "I see work, but in my life I have worked to live."

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Isabel Vega takes a break with her daughter Irene Vega on Friday, July 15, 2016, in Wenatchee, Wash.

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Isabel Vega, lifts her grandson Antonio, 1, on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, at her home in Wenatchee, Wash. Antonio is named for his grandfather, Antonio Sr. who was granted amnesty during the Reagan administration.

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Mary Jo Ybarra-Vega, left, speaks with Genaro Valenzuela, 67, on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016, at his home in George, Wash.

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Genaro Valenzuela, 67, sits in the home he is four months behind rent on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016, in George, Wash. Valenzuela worked in Eastern Washington fields for most of his life but failing health and zero retirement savings have left his future compromised.

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