It used to be a common practice to stay in your home from marriage to retirement.

However, studies like one conducted by MetLife show as Baby Boomers become empty-nesters, more choose to downsize into active adult communities like The Oaks of Louisiana for lifestyle reasons. With children out of the nest and the prospect of retirement around the corner, they envision living in a vibrant community, somewhat out of fear of loneliness. “Moving to The Oaks lets them pursue their passions with others who share similar interests while removing the burden and expense of maintaining a home that’s too big or too old,” says Marian Dehan, community outreach manager. “With a variety of exceptional amenities, diverse programming and social events, living at The Oaks is the perfect living arrangement for boomers whose children are grown and who want to live in a community where their lives will be better in some way.”

Moreover, retirement is not a requirement. “We have residents who still enjoy very satisfying, successful careers,” Dehan says.

Barbara Thorne-Thomsen is one. A licensed professional counselor with Interactional Services in Shreveport, Thorne-Thomsen works 4-and-ahalf days a week “because I love what I do.”

“It keeps me active and involved …,” she says. “It works for me.”

Her husband, Fletcher, on the other hand, while still involved in photography, has retired and enjoys all that The Oaks has to offer. With independent living apartments starting at just over $1,500, it is a good value for the lifestyle.

The MetLife report shows nearly 25 percent of those moving into active adult communities do so for the lifestyle. The Oaks of Louisiana’s active adult lifestyle encompasses not only health and fitness programming but educational, cultural, spiritual and social as well.

The Spa & Wellness Center includes an indoor saltwater pool, state-of-the-art Keiser fitness equipment and an exercise studio for dance, aerobics and other classes such as Tai Chi and yoga. Personal trainers create individualized programs to meet the needs of active adults. Outdoors is the LifeTrail wellness system, 24 stations throughout the campus designed to enhance the wellness of adults age 55 and older by providing age-appropriate physical activity to boost endurance, flexibility, strength and balance.

Additionally, walking trails wend their way around Lake Eleanor and Lake Herman and throughout the campus, encouraging residents to enjoy the health benefits of walking as well as acres of natural beauty that the East Flournoy Lucas Road campus provides.

“We also offer wide-ranging and diverse programming that many times is open to the community,” Dehan says. “From our University at The Oaks series to performances by Shreveport Symphony and Shreveport Opera members to book reviews, bible studies, lectures and off-campus trips, we strive to keep the mind and body active and engaged.”

The Oaks welcomes the public to all seminars and events. Registration is required.

INSIGHT AND UNDERSTANDING

University at The Oaks:
The Politics and Culture of Castles
Monday, Oct. 7, 14, 21 & 28, 5 p.m.
Guest Speakers:
Dr. Gary Joiner, Ph.D., and
Dr. Cheryl White, Ph.D.
Alta and John Franks Community Centre
The castle is a symbol of power that has fascinated us through the years. LSU historians Dr. Gary Joiner and Dr. Cheryl White will offer you a glimpse inside these power-buildings - from their construction to the people who live and work there. This is sure to be a series filled with historical insight and intrigue as well as stunning visuals.
Oct. 7 – “The Origins of the Fortress in History”
Oct. 14 – “The Medieval Castle and Siege: Its Place in Warfare”
Oct. 21 – “The Notorious Castle Dungeon: True Horror Stories from History”
Oct. 28 – “The Transition of Castle from Fortress to Manor Home”
Cost: $25, nonresidents. Registration is required.

The ‘Green’ Series with Judy Christie
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 3 p.m.
Guest Speaker:
Author Judy Christie
Chapel at The Oaks
Judy Christie left a career in journalism after 25 years to open a consulting firm to help individuals, businesses, churches and social groups find peace and balance their professional and personal lives. She has authored a number of books, including the six-part “Green” fiction series about Lois Barker, a corporate journalist at a large newspaper in the Midwest who leaves to become owner of The Green News-Item, a twice weekly paper in rural North Louisiana. Christie will share how she developed her characters and give an in-depth look at life within her pages.
Free. Registration is required.

Corsets & Cravats: A Revealing Look in Victorian Closets
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 10:30 a.m.
Guest Speaker:
Jan Pettiet,
textile historian and collector Alta and John Franks Community Centre Step back in time to the days when Queen Victoria was on the throne, when women wore corsets and men wore cravats. Textile historian and collector Jan Pettiet offers information about this exhibit of her Victorian/Edwardian clothing and accessories, with lunch to follow.
Cost: $15, nonresidents. Registration is required.

Movie Masterpieces: Maestro, Moonbot & More
Thursday, Oct. 24, 5 p.m.
Guest Speakers: Michael Butterman and Moonbot Studios
Ballroom, Tower at The Oaks Go behind the scenes with Maestro Michael Butterman and partners from Shreveport’s own Academy Award winning Moonbot Studios to see and hear about the creative process that goes in to the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra accompanying the latest Moonbot film live in concert!
Free. Registration is required.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Well Worth It Series
Butterfly Boutique Hair Piece Demo
Friday, Oct. 18, 3:30 p.m.
Guest Speaker:
Lisa Clark Alta and John Franks
Community Centre Butterfly Boutique specializes in helping people with cancer and others experiencing hair loss. If you are looking for a wig or hairpiece for any reason, Butterfly Boutique has a wide variety of styles and colors. Representatives will be at The Oaks for a private demonstration .
FREE. Registration is required.

Autoimmune Defenders: Recipe for a Healthy Lifestyle
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 5 p.m.
Guest Speakers:
Julie Hartley, registered dietitian,
and Dr. Jina Miller
Alta and John Franks Community Centre
Fed up and tired of being fed up and tired about your autoimmune condition? Get some sweet relief! Julie Hartley, registered dietitian with WK Wellness Solutions, will tell you which ingredients could be secretly sabotaging you and how to join forces with a doctor to create your own “Recipe for a Healthy Lifestyle.” Dr. Jina Miller will be present to answer your questions in this Spirit of Women event.
FREE. Registration is required.

BIBLE STUDY

The Beauty of the Psalms
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.
Discussion Leader:
Rev. Larry Williams, Broadmoor Baptist Church
Tower at The Oaks Activities Room Study focuses on the longest book of the Bible, which contains 150 individual psalms written by many different people.
FREE. Registration is required.

A Woman’s Heart: God’s Dwelling Place
Thursdays, 2:30 p.m.
Discussion Leader:
Rev. Andrew Comeaux, director of Spiritual Life Services, The Oaks of Louisiana
Alta and John Franks Community Centre This Beth Moore video study is “a fascinating account of the building of the tabernacle, the significance of its intricate design and its pivotal role in God’s eternal plan and its variety of meanings for women today.”
FREE. Registration is required.

SPIRITUAL STUDIES

Spiritual Pathways:
Snake Handlers Among the Appalachians
Wednesday, Oct. 16, 4 p.m.
Guest Speaker:
David Otto, Ph.D., director of the Religious Studies Department at Centenary College
Chapel at The Oaks David Otto brings his unique understanding of world religions as he offers insight into snake handlers.
FREE. Registration required.

SPIRITUAL SERVICES

Chapel at The Oaks

The multifaith spiritual activities at The Oaks of Louisiana and the Chapel at The Oaks are open to all who wish to be a part of a meaningful experience. The Rev. Andrew Comeaux, director of Spiritual Life Services, and Mickie Cowan, chaplain, work with volunteer clergy and lay leaders from throughout the community to create a variety of worship opportunities at the Chapel at The Oaks. Details about these services can be found under Classes and Events at wkhs.com. No reservations are required.

Catholic Mass
Mondays, 9:30 a.m.
Oct. 7: Rev. Phil Michiels, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church
Oct. 14: Rev. Joseph Nasser, Society of Jesus
Oct. 21: Rev. Phil Michiels, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church
Oct. 28: Rev. Joseph Nasser, Society of Jesus

Communion Services
Sunday, Oct. 6, 10:30 a.m.: Rev. Andrew Comeaux, director of Spiritual Life Services
Monday, Oct. 7, 3 p.m.:Canon Rowena White, St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral
Monday, Oct. 14, 3:30 p.m.: Multifaith Communion, the Rev. Jonathan Beck, First United Methodist Church
Monday, Oct. 21, 3:30 p.m.: Rev. Paul Martin, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Sunday School
9:15 a.m. Discussion Leader: Andy Amison, Ellerbe Road Baptist Church Location: Creative Corner Discussion leader: Robert Folsom, First Presbyterian Church Location: Savannah Arbor Room

Sunday Services
10:30 a.m. Oct. 6, 13, & 20: The Rev. Andrew Comeaux, director of Spiritual Life Services
Oct. 27: The Rev. Harry Forester, Emmanuel Baptist Church

Vespers
Thursdays, 6 p.m. Alta and John Franks Community Centre
Oct. 3: The Rev. Carl Rhoads, First United Methodist Church
Oct. 10: The Rev. Perry Culver, Christ Lutheran Church
Oct. 17: No Vespers
Oct. 24: The Rev. Regina Wren, retired Methodist minister
Oct. 31: The Rev. Trey Lewis, Baptist Hospice minister

Prayer & Healing Service Rev. Andrew Comeaux, director of Spiritual Life Services Fridays, 10:45 a.m. Chapel

We welcome the public to all spiritual services.