The MacArthur Foundation Study of Aging in America in 1998 identified three key ingredients for preserving a high quality of life . . .

• maintaining a low risk for disease,
• a high level of engagement with one’s community, and
• high physical and cognitive function.

. . . “and it is the combination of all three that represents the concept of successful aging.”

The MacArthur study affirms the value of OASIS’ mission to enrich lives through lifelong learning and service opportunities. OASIS has built one of the most experienced and successful organizations providing opportunities to challenge the mind, improve health, connect with others, build skills, and serve the community.

• We enroll more than 40,000 adults in classes annually
   
• More than 9,000 OASIS volunteers provide over 550,000 hours of community service each year – mentoring youth, teaching classes, leading peer support groups, coaching new computer users, and supporting our educational programs.
   
• OASIS tutors have helped well over 300,000 children in the primary grades improve reading skills. Ninety percent of the students in the program show improved academic performance.
   
• OASIS’ evidence-based health education programs are proven to help adults increase physical activity, improve nutrition, and manage chronic conditions.
   
• More than 6,000 older adults, many from low-income neighborhoods, participate in OASIS Connections courses each year, learning how to use technology in the workplace, volunteer roles and their personal lives.

The need for programs to support successful aging is growing dramatically as the population of older adults doubles from 2000 to 2030. OASIS brings unique strengths to meet the needs of the older population:

• 26 years of experience providing high-quality lifelong learning and service opportunities for mature adults,
• A comprehensive offering of programming proven to promote successful aging,
• The leverage of a national network,
• Relationships with partners to reach low income populations and culturally diverse communities, and
• A successful track record of adapting its programs to meet the needs of specific populations.

Mature adults are a tremendous resource for society. Our focus is on increasing our impact by working through partners and the aging network to support successful, independent productive lives for this population.