Community Seminar Series: Autumn Health Picks 2024 Registration

Join the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute and University of Illinois Extension for a series on a variety of health topics. Pick and choose programs based on interest.

All sessions are offered via Zoom on Wednesdays at noon (CST) from October 9 - November 13, 2024

Oct 9 | Noon - Nearby Nature and Socializing: Everyday Tips to Boost Your Health and Wellbeing
Have you ever felt down or bored and weren’t sure how to “put yourself out of it?” Join us for an interactive session and learn how nature and socializing can boost your health and wellbeing. We’ll focus on practical strategies for enjoying nearby nature and socializing, which will be informed by current research and practice on these topics. 

Oct 16 | Noon - When Silence Grows Louder: Aging and Its Impact on Hearing
What do we know about age-related hearing loss? Older adults often experience ear and hearing-related issues such as ringing in the ears and difficulty hearing daily sounds like alarms and conversations in quiet or noisy backgrounds. These issues can eventually lead to social isolation, cognitive problems, and a decline in overall quality of life. Learn about age-related hearing loss and what we can do about it.  

Oct 23 | Noon – School-Based Agriculture for Nature-Based Solutions
Explore the transformative potential of school food forests as climate change interventions. This session will delve into how these agroforestry-based programs produce fresh, nourishing food while enhancing socio-emotional wellness and environmental stewardship. By transforming school garden sites into multi-functional systems, these initiatives also offer high-capacity food production, mitigate negative environmental impacts, and provide opportunities for stress relief. 

Oct 30 | Noon – When Tech Meets Care: How AI-led Conversational Agents Support Older Adults?
How is AI transforming aging care services? Are older adults ready to embrace this technological revolution? In this talk, we will explore the transformative role of AI-led Conversational Agents in aging care, dive into the acceptance of these emerging technologies among older adults, and tackle ethical and privacy concerns.

Nov 6 | Noon – Add a Little Bit of Spice: Seasoning Awareness and Culturally Tailoring Foods  
Tired of eating the same things over and over again? Spices and herbs are a great way to help enhance your food and make your typical home-cooked dishes more flavorful. There are thousands of different spices and herbs found in various regions all over the world. However, there are gaps in awareness and utilization of specific spices, especially in healthcare settings. Join us for a presentation that will expand your knowledge of spices/herbs from around the world and explore how these spices and herbs might be incorporated into your diet. 

Nov 13 | Noon – Transform Your Aging Experience: How Mindfulness and Resilience Work Together
Aging brings unique challenges, both physical and emotional. Integrating mindfulness into daily life can transform the aging process into a more empowering and fulfilling experience. Mindfulness helps us stay present, reduce stress, and cultivate acceptance of the changes that come with aging. Meanwhile, resilience enables us to adapt to those changes, bounce back from setbacks, and maintain a positive outlook. This presentation will explore practical ways to combine these powerful practices to navigate aging with grace, strength, and emotional wellbeing. 

Registrants must create and sign in to a personal or work Zoom account to access the webinar sessions.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Dee Walls at walls1@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.