Mary Lewis (l) and Marlene Matzner selecting classes from The OASIS catalogue

People over 65 comprise the fastest-growing age group in Harris County. The OASIS Institute offers these people, who often are retired and sometimes alone, alternatives to conventional “time-filling” activities. “When you read different studies about aging well, they all tell you the same thing: Keep your mind active. Go to class. Read. Do puzzles. Engage yourself intellectually and have special ties,” says executive director Marlene Matzner. “OASIS enriches the lives of older adults by offering opportunities for growth through life-enrichment classes and meaningful volunteer activities.”

In other words, the OASIS Institute offers more than bingo and luncheons. Musical performances, preceded by guest speakers who present information about the programs, are some of the Institute’s most popular events. Yoga classes, book groups, lectures at museums and presentations by financial advisers are only some of the activities that draw a crowd. Many of the programs are free or low-cost, which increases their accessibility to almost anyone over 50.

The OASIS Institute opened in 1989 in the downtown Foley’s basement and subsequently moved to the back of the store’s Northwest Mall location. “OASIS began almost 20 years ago in St. Louis when the May department store allowed a group of older people to use its auditorium for lectures and presentations,” explains Ms. Matzner. “They realized it was a great partnership, and the organizer of the original group began opening chapters in other cities with May Company stores. Foley’s, a subsidiary of the May Company, gives us space and pays for our overhead, including lights and phones.”

With May Company Foundation funding, OASIS has helped people enhance their lives and make new friends. Mary Lewis is a charter member and attends events two or three times a week. She says, “Once you retire, you lose your circle of friends at work. At OASIS I’ve met a whole new group of people.”

Ms. Lewis also relishes the activities provided by OASIS. “I especially enjoy the opera classes, where they give us background before we go. We hear about how the singers were trained and how they were chosen. By the time we attend, we don’t need to read the translations because we’re so familiar with what’s going on.”

Ms. Lewis continues, “I’ve never enjoyed crafts and playing cards. I’d rather be learning something new and doing interesting things. With OASIS, I have something to get up for, and that gives me a great outlook on life.”

Ms. Matzner adds, “We want people to stay active, to feel younger and to age well. If two people retire at 65, the one who attends classes, goes on day trips and volunteers is going to be physically younger than the one who doesn’t do much and doesn’t exercise. That’s the goal of OASIS. We want to keep people independent, active and fulfilled for
as long as possible.”

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