вЂњThey didnвЂ™t feel that existing programs offered sufficient stimulation for retired people.вЂќ вЂњThey wanted to create a program fostering wellness, companionship and vitality for mature adults,вЂќ Los Angeles OASIS assistant director Rachelle Sommers Smith said. Louis by educator Marylen Mann and Margie Wolcott May of the May department store family.

The national OASIS program was founded in 1982 in St. In Woodland Hills, classes are offered in conjunction with Pierce College through the Encore-OASIS program.

Satellite locations include the Farmers Market, Park La Brea, WorkmenвЂ™s Circle and Jewish Family ServiceвЂ™s Pico-Robertson Storefront and Freda Mohr Multiservice Center on Fairfax. Others meet in community rooms within the shopping center. Most Westside classes meet within OASISвЂ™ warren of classrooms inside the Robinsons-May at the Westside Pavilion. Neal estimates that between 1,200 and 1,500 individuals ranging in age from 60 to 95 attend classes at OASISвЂ™ Westside locations each week. вЂњItвЂ™s a progressive alternative for those who might feel like theyвЂ™re with old peopleвЂ™ when they attend senior centers or meal programs.вЂќ вЂњOASIS provides learning and growth opportunities for active people who live at home,вЂќ program director Victoria Neal said. She also takes вЂњThe Rabbi Speaks,вЂќ with Rabbi Michael Resnick, and a bridge class, which she said вЂњworks the aging matter in your brain.вЂќ вЂњI think OASIS is wonderful because they have so much to offer,вЂќ said Aura, a 72-year-old participant in the belly-dancing class. And seniors who wish to travel can choose among a variety of day excursions and extended trips. Some of the classes are even taught by retired professors from UCLA and USC. Others can explore Jewish spirituality, analyze Shakespeare or play guitar. Art buffs can study French and American impressionism or drawing. Fitness fans can choose among such options as chair exercise, yoga and karate. OASIS provides an eclectic array of classes, many of which are free. Part of a national network, OASIS in Los Angeles is a program of Jewish Family Service, and is co-sponsored by Robinsons-May, the Los Angeles Department of Aging and the Westside Pavilion. OASIS, a program offering educational, enrichment and volunteer opportunities. Around their waists, the participants wear scarves adorned with rows of coins, and as they move, the room fills with a rhythmic jingling sound.Дown the hall, students peer intently at computer screens, struggling to learn the nuances of sending e-mails and creating documents in Microsoft Word. Her students willingly comply, rolling their shoulders, gyrating their torsos and undulating their hips as they follow the teacherвЂ™s example. вЂњMake the shape of a U with your hips,вЂќ coaches belly-dancing teacher Elexa Williams.

Elexa williams