OASIS Blog

Preventing obesity is everyone’s business

mgwilson@oasisnet.org — Fri, 11 May 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Body weight has become everyone’s business. You can’t watch a news program or visit a media website without seeing something on what has become our nation’s biggest health problem – obesity. What can you do to help?

Tags: obesity,childhood obesity,chronic illness,CATCH Healthy Habits,healthy eating,physical activity

Caring for an older population

mgwilson@oasisnet.org — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 06:00:00 GMT

How will we take care of our older adults? What will their role in our civilization be? These questions and more were explored late last summer at the Productive Aging Conference at Peking University in Bejing, China that OASIS attended. Researchers, practitioners, students and government officials discussed and shared the best approaches to the challenges of population aging.

Tags: productive aging,Washington University,China,Sharon Brangman,senior population growth

What do you use your computer for?

mgwilson@oasisnet.org — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

These days, a computer is almost as common in people’s homes as a stapler or a coffeepot. But what do people – especially older adults – really use their computers at home for?

Tags: computers and older adults,how to use your computer,computer uses,Connections

The “new” volunteer

mgwilson@oasisnet.org — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

At one time or another, we’ve all given our time to help with an event or a fundraiser, perhaps stuffing envelopes, making phone calls, setting up tables and chairs, etc. These days, volunteering often goes beyond these tasks. Volunteers like Sharon Fine are helping sustain organizations.

Tags: volunteers,sustainability,Sharon Fine,intergenerational tutoring

Downsizing & Donating - Finding a "Home Sweet Home" For Your Stuff

mgwilson@oasisnet.org — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

OASIS guest blogger Jan Lehman of "Can the Clutter" discusses organizing and/or getting rid of the things in your home you no longer have use for. Jan is a presenter at OASIS in Eugene, OR., her next program there is February 15.

Tags: organizing clutter,downsizing,Eugene OASIS

A New Year's wish from OASIS

mgwilson@oasisnet.org — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

From OASIS president, Marcia Kerz, thanks to all of our OASIS family for their support and commitment to OASIS, and a wish for a successful 2012.

Setting the Table for Children's Health

mgwilson@oasisnet.org — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

The first-ever summit of the Partnership for a Healthier America in late November shined a light on one of the most pressing public health problems in our country: childhood obesity.

Our participation in the conversations at the summit gave us good insights on the role OASIS can play in this crisis. Through our intergenerational experience and partnerships, we can bring a powerful resource: the experience and commitment of thousands of volunteers who care about kids.

Tags: childhood obesity,Partnership for a Healthier America,Let's Move,Marcia Kerz

Fitness over 50

mgwilson@oasisnet.org — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Fitness among older adults is a critical issue today. Chronic illnesses caused by inactivity and obesity will be a huge driver of health care costs and reduced quality of life as the baby boomer generation ages. Fitness programs that are proven to work for adults over 50 are a great solution because they help people get and stay physically active, without fear.

This topic was among the issues that OASIS presented on at the Gerontological Society of America’s (GSA) 2011 annual conference.

Tags: gerontology,fitness,Exerstart,Active Start,GSA

Staying Healthy Was Never More Important

mgwilson@oasisnet.org — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:00:00 GMT

The news coming out of Washington and Wall Street these days is certainly troubling. One way or another, big cuts are coming in the federal budget, and tighter restrictions on programs like Medicare are probably inevitable. At the same time, the lack of a clear strategy regarding our nation’s debt has sent stocks tumbling, further eating into the life savings of many individuals and families.

Tags: health for older adults,staying healthy,better choices better health,Medicare spending,Healthy Weight Commitment

Life as a 50 plus adult

mgwilson@oasisnet.org — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Life expectancy today is almost 79 years of age. By the time we turn 50, we’re already well into the second half of our life … which as those of us already there know, is VERY different than the first half!

Are we aging successfully? Our bodies are older, but our spirits are wiser. There’s no reason to not enjoy these golden years, it’s just a matter of perspective.

Norman Molesko, a friend of OASIS and author of two books on the topic, understands what it means to age successfully. From his book of poems, Retiring and Senior Living, Experiencing the Second Half of Life*, Norm reflects on his life as he continues to progress in it, in “Quality of Life”