The OATS: Empowering Older Adults through Collaboration, Connection, and Creativity

The OATS at the 2023 Functional Aging Summit

Last year, at the Functional Aging Institute annual Summit, I had the pleasure of meeting Patricia Linderman from Fierce After 45, Holly H. Benson with Moving Strong, and we joined forces with my career coach, Lynn Jordan the creator of Joyful Boogie, to form a transformative mastermind group known as The OATS: Older Adult Training Sistas. Recently, we welcomed Becky Harkema from Fit 4 Life with Becky to our group, enhancing our collective creativity and knowledge.

Our mastermind group has proven to be a game changer in our personal and professional lives. Through open discussions, brainstorming sessions, and mutual support, we have tapped into our collective knowledge and experiences, enabling us to elevate the impact we have on our communities and individuals we serve.

Last weekend, we had the opportunity to attend the FAI Summit, where we put our collaborative efforts into action. We hosted a fun and playful  event for a local over 60+ Meetup group called “Laugh, Move, & Boogie” class. Lynn shared her Joyful Boogie program, I led a PK Silver session, and Patricia taught a sample Laughter Yoga session. The experience left us feeling deeply connected to one another and filled with a sense of purpose, knowing we had made a meaningful contribution to the local older adult community.

Here’s what I’ve learned from starting the group:

1. Embrace Collaboration: Rather than viewing our peers as competitors, we have embraced collaboration as a means of amplifying our impact.

2. Strength in Connection: Building strong connections with others who share our vision has empowered us to step outside our comfort zones and explore new opportunities.

3. Magnify Your Impact: By combining our talents and resources, we have been able to develop innovative ideas and strategies that transcend our individual capabilities, ultimately benefiting the communities and individuals we serve.

   
   

Together, we have fostered a supportive and creative environment, enabling us to elevate our offerings and make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults.