Aging Successfully with SAN DIEGO OASIS

By Maria Weidich

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, all baby boomers will be older than 65 by 2030. At that time, one in every five U.S. residents is expected to be at retirement age. So the data is clear, our older population is on the rise.

As life expectancy increases and this rapidly expanding demographic grows, what influences how successfully they’ll age? San Diego Oasis President and CEO Simona Valanciute asks, "What makes one older person energetic and vivacious and another frail and lackluster about living? What’s the secret sauce?”

SPOILER ALERT: IT’S NOT JUST GOOD GENES AND GOOD LUCK.

While longevity can be hereditary, aging is a multifactorial process heavily influenced by things we can control, like environment and lifestyle. Successful aging combines three components: stimulating cognitive function, maintaining physical health, and creating strong social relationships.

Since 1987, San Diego Oasis has promoted successful aging for adults aged 50+ by applying these exact three principles. Through its evidencebased programs designed to empower, engage, and enhance its members' lives, the award-winning nonprofit has helped thousands of older adults on their path to healthy longevity.

MENTAL HEALTH: BE A LIFELONG LEARNER

Maintaining good cognitive health by keeping the mind sharp, active, and alert is the first component of healthy aging. The opportunities to learn are limitless at San Diego Oasis. While there are no certifications or degrees, the organization is essential in operating a university for adults who are lifelong learners, strictly for the joy of it.

“We strive to make sure everyone finds something that interests them,” Simona said. Offering over 3,000 classes annually, San Diego Oasis members are delighted with subjects in every imaginable area: arts, business, technology education, exercise, health and wellness, history, music, theater, language, personal enrichment, and so much more.

PHYSICAL HEALTH: KEEP MOVING

Even with limited mobility, exercise helps avoid disease and disability and is essential to maintaining physical health while aging. San Diego Oasis offers physical education and fitness classes all day, every day. In addition to familiar classes like tai chi, meditation, and yoga, members are also offered more unusual ways to stay active. “We try to offer a lot of choices to create joy and meet the objective of lifelong learning,” Simona said. We have classes that are just really fun, too, like ballet for seniors, cardio drumming, and international dancing.”

Physical health isn’t just about physical activity, either. Oasis provides numerous educational classes and workshops on various health topics like diet and nutrition, pain and stress management, fall prevention, and more.

SOCIAL HEALTH: CREATE MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS

Cultivating a sense of purpose through meaningful social and community interactions is