An African drumming circle promotes active aging at Willamette Oaks

Willamette Oaks Retirement Community is a complex of apartments for “people who love life,” according to its motto. Located alongside the Willamette River in Eugene, Oregon, the community “strives to provide a stimulating environment that offers meaningful opportunities for older adults to stay mentally, physically, and socially fit and engaged with life,” says former Programs and Events Coordinator Candy Davis. “Residents can choose from a daily menu of professionally led fitness classes—from tai chi and Hawaiian dance to weight lifting and fall recovery—as well as individual coaching in the use of modern exercise equipment.” They also socialize and interact through “resident-led parties, card games, films, discussions, meetings, holiday observances, and excursions.”