Idaho State University to host Senior Health and Wellness Symposium, a one-of-a-kind event for Treasure Valley area seniors, Oct. 19

Immediately following the symposium at noon, the Senior Center will provide lunch.

The symposium, formerly known as the Thomas Geriatric Symposium, is a unique event with the health and wellbeing of local senior citizens in mind. The symposium will provide interactive presentations on topics of interest for seniors in areas such as medications, oral health, fall prevention, good nutrition, and more. There will be games, demonstrations, and prize giveaways as well. Flu shots will be administered by student pharmacists, along with blood pressure screening and a pneumonia vaccination needs assessment.

Taking into consideration feedback from participants at previous on-campus events, health care teams from across ISU will take the symposium, previously held at ISU, “on the road” this year. Rather than asking seniors to visit the ISU-Meridian campus, find parking and make their way into the building, organizers will bring their expertise to the Boise Senior Center for a day.

 “Taking the symposium to the senior center, rather than holding it on campus this year, is an effort to improve access to health care and health information for the local senior community,” said Chris Owens, interim dean for the College of Pharmacy and chair for the symposium planning committee. The symposium will also showcase the more than 30 health sciences programs available at Idaho State University. 

An interprofessional case study event for ISU students, faculty and staff will take place from 1 to  4 p.m. that afternoon, at ISU-Meridian, with distance learning to the ISU Pocatello campus. Seniors are also invited to participate in the afternoon activity if they choose.