The document describes Oasis' Healthy Habits for Adults program, which offers classes to older adults focused on improving nutrition and increasing physical activity. The one-hour classes include nutrition lessons, exercise, and healthy snacks. They are led by volunteers and aim to help participants manage chronic conditions and live independently by eating well and staying active. A past participant said the classes helped them fight off old age and fill free time. Evaluation found 89% of participants intended to eat healthier and be more physically active after attending.

1. After participating in Healthy Habits for Adults
classes with Oasis, Wayne Chambers was motivated
to become more active. “Exercising and healthy
habits help me fight off old age and fills the void
from not working.”
Healthy Habits for Adults
Helping to make good health
easy to achieve.
Eating well and getting regular physical activity
are important for adults to stay healthy and lead
active, fulfilling lifestyles. Through the national
sponsorship of Anthem Foundation, Oasis offers
Healthy Habits for Adults, a series of one-hour
classes that focuses on improving nutrition and
increasing physical activity in older adults.
These fun and interactive classes include a nutrition
lesson, recipe ideas, low impact exercises, and as a
bonus, a healthy snack!
These ten, one-hour workshops are led by volunteers
and are offered on a stand-alone basis or as a series.
Why Healthy Habits for Adults?
Good nutrition and regular exercise are important
tools to manage or prevent chronic conditions such
as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. Among
older adults, 92 percent have at least one chronic
condition, while 77 percent have two or more. Small
lifestyle changes add up, allowing older adults to
continue activities that are important to them, such
as volunteering, visiting family, taking care of the
house or traveling.
Eating a well-planned, balanced mix of foods every
day provides the vitamins and nutrients older adults
need. Regular physical activity keeps muscles
and bones strong, which allows older adults to live
independently longer. A healthy diet and exercise
can help prevent and/or manage chronic illnesses
including obesity, heart disease, stroke, certain
cancers, type 2 diabetes and arthritis.*
*Diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases, Report of
the joint WHO/FAO expert consultation, World Health Organization
Technical Report Series, No. 916 (TRS 916) oasisnet.org/healthyhabits
The problem:
80% of American adults do not
get enough exercise*
80% of American adults do not
consume the recommended amount
of fruits and vegetables*
39% of older adults ages 60+ are
obese*
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

2. Take a Class
Get motivated by learning
new tools to help you improve
nutrition and increase exercise.
Visit our website for a current
list of classes.
How to get involved:
Teach a Class
If you have an interest in
health or have been successful
in improving your own diet
and exercise habits, you can
lead a class. All materials
are provided.
Host a Class
Healthy Habits for Adults
classes can be held almost
anywhere. Contact us to
learn more.
Oasis Healthy Habits for Adults
classes are based on concepts
from the MyPlate for Older Adults
developed by Tufts University.
Class topics include how to limit
salt, sugar and fat, in addition
to how to increase whole grains,
protein and fruits/vegetables in
our diets. Visit our website to
learn more about Oasis Healthy
Habits for Adults class topics.
How to get involved:
89% will read nutrition labels more often.
90% will eat healthier.
89% are confident to be more physically active.
Since 2014, the program has reached
more than 7,000 participants.
National Impact
After attending a Healthy Habits for Adults program,
participants intend to improve their health.
December 2016
For more information,
please contact:
Shelby Schroeder, LMSW
National Health Manager
The Oasis Institute
11780 Borman Drive
St. Louis, MO 63146
(314) 862-2933 x230
sschroeder@oasisnet.org
About Oasis
The Oasis Institute is a national non-profit organization that
promotes healthy aging through lifelong learning, active lifestyles
and volunteer engagement. Founded in 1982 and headquartered
in St. Louis, Oasis offers programs through partnerships in
42 U.S. cities. Learn more at oasisnet.org.
Sponsored by
oasisnet.org/healthyhabits
Need a reminder to make healthy
habits while you are at home?
The free Oasis Healthy Living Guide for
Adults provides practical tips to make
healthier living easy to understand and
do. All the information is based on scientific research and
proven best practices. Download a free copy from our website,
or ask your local Healthy Habits Coordinator for a copy.