Idaho State University to host Senior Health and Wellness Symposium Oct. 19

A lunch, provided by the Pocatello Senior Activity Center, will follow, beginning at noon.

The event, formerly called the Thomas Geriatric 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 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 campus, find parking and make their way into the Student Union, organizers will bring their expertise to the Senior Activity Center in Pocatello 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 healthcare and health information for the Pocatello and Chubbuck senior community,” said Chris Owens, interim dean for the College of Pharmacy and chair of the symposium planning committee. The symposium will also showcase the more than 30 health sciences programs available at ISU. 

An interprofessional case study event for ISU students and faculty will take place in the afternoon, on campus at the Pond Student Union, with distance learning to ISU-Meridian. Seniors are also invited to participate in the afternoon activity if they choose.