Social groups help in combatting social isolation

By |2014-05-16T00:00:00-05:00May 16th, 2014|Lifelong learning, Volunteering|

Not long ago, one of our regular class participants, Liz Lippa came to Oasis after a rough weekend. Her son had a major heart attack and her cousin passed away. She was feeling low. “I just wanted to climb into bed and pull the covers over my head,” she said, but then she realized that what she really needed to do was to get out and talk. She got out of bed and headed to her St. Louis Oasis Women’s Roundtable group.

Think public health is a problem in the U.S.?

By |2014-05-15T00:00:00-05:00May 15th, 2014|Health|

I’ve been working as a Community Health Coordinator for a few years now but in two very, very different settings. I worked as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Andes of Peru and am now with Oasis in St. Louis. While my job with both organizations is to help prevent public health problems, the experiences couldn’t be any more different!

Reading nutrition labels can help with getting nutrients you may need

By |2014-05-12T00:00:00-05:00May 12th, 2014|Health|

The nutrition label is on almost every package of food. Numbers and percentages for calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium and more are listed on the label. What does it all mean to the consumer? How can we use the information on the label to make informed food choices?

Every day is Mother’s Day!

By |2014-05-08T00:00:00-05:00May 8th, 2014|Life after 50|

This year celebrates 100 years since Anna Jarvis was successful in her movement to make "Mother's Day" a recognized holiday in the United States. We were raised with our father telling us that “every day is Mother’s Day!"  He was instilling in us the importance of appreciating a stay-at-home mom raising eight daughters and five sons. He was teaching us to say thank you.

Have you planted your tomatoes yet?

By |2014-05-07T00:00:00-05:00May 7th, 2014|Health, Lifelong learning|

I’ll be celebrating Mother’s Day in my own special way this coming weekend, when I plant tomatoes. When I read Jamsey Thomas’ blog about hobbies a few weeks ago, I wasn’t surprised to see gardening near the top of the list for people age 50-plus. I’m 50-plus, and I love gardening, especially vegetable gardening. But then, tomatoes and I go way back. I like to say that tomatoes put me through college.

Finding your way back after a later-in-life job loss

By |2014-05-06T00:00:00-05:00May 6th, 2014|Life after 50|

 We have been informed that you and your staff will not be a part of the new program as had been originally planned. As of July 1, 2014, your office and positions will be dissolved”…
 
Anyone ever heard something like this before? Mary Calhoun found herself in a situation that many older workers have experienced. For her, putting on a positive attitude was key for moving forward.

Discovering the desire to learn something new

By |2014-05-05T00:00:00-05:00May 5th, 2014|Lifelong learning|

... Tom had discovered the ukulele tucked away on a shelf in the corner of the musty barn and in that serendipitous moment had discovered within him a desire to make music.
 
Learning to play a musical instrument not only inspires your creative soul but also is an entertaining way to unwind after a hectic day. What instrument should you play?

The Garden Grazers, Fruit Loops & Freggies

By |2014-04-29T00:00:00-05:00April 29th, 2014|Health|

A friendly little eating competition, "Help for Your Health: Fruits and Vegetables Challenge" has sparked a dialogue and prompted everyone to think about their diet. I was surprised that such a simple competition could teach us so much about fruits and vegetables, while encouraging our co-workers too. It was also surprising to learn how much we didn't know.

Managing your “stuff”

By |2014-04-29T00:00:00-05:00April 29th, 2014|Health|

Safe Today. Healthy Tomorrow. As older Americans we have “stuff” that we carry/have carried through our life cycle. Sometimes it’s family issues, sometimes it’s work issues. No matter what "stuff" you have, are you managing it? In the spirit of this year's Older Americans Month, "Safe Today, Healthy Tomorrow," Oasis member Ruth Jenerson shares her journey on taking control of her "stuff" so she can live a healthy life.
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