Live a healthier lifestyle with research-based tools.
Make informed decisions about health choices with cutting-edge research from University of Illinois. Find a session that's perfect for you.
The Community Seminar Series is a collaboration between Illinois Extension and Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Signing up is easy:
- Sessions are free, and registration is required.
- Choose as many sessions within the series as you wish to attend.
- Complete the registration process.
- CPDU and CEUs are available: CEUs are provided through the Continuing Education Institute of Illinois. Once you have registered for your desired sessions, please check your registration confirmation email for a link to purchase CEUs.
If you need a reasonable accommodation in order to participate, contact Dee Walls at walls1@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.
Access previous sessions on health topics by visiting our recorded session archives.
Autumn Health Picks 2024
Nearby Nature and Socializing: Everyday Tips to Boost Your Health and Well-Being | Oct. 9
Have you ever felt down or bored and weren’t sure how to “put yourself out of it?” Learn how nature and socializing can improve your health and well-being. We will focus on practical, research-based strategies for enjoying nature nearby and socializing.
When Silence Grows Louder: Aging and Its Impact on Hearing | Oct. 16
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 you can do about it.
School-Based Agriculture for Nature-Based Solutions | Oct. 23
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 adverse environmental impacts, and provide opportunities for stress relief.
When Tech Meets Care: How AI-led Conversational Agents Support Older Adults | Oct. 30
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.
Add a Little Bit of Spice: Seasoning Awareness and Culturally Tailoring Foods | Nov. 6
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. Enhance your culinary skills with a presentation that will broaden your understanding of global spices and herbs and discover how to seamlessly incorporate them into your diet.
Transform Your Aging Experience: How Mindfulness and Resilience Work Together | Nov. 13
Aging brings unique challenges, both physical and emotional. Integrating mindfulness into daily life can transform aging into a more empowering and fulfilling experience. Mindfulness helps us stay present, reduce stress, and cultivate acceptance of the changes that come with aging. This presentation will explore practical ways to combine these powerful practices to navigate aging with grace, strength, and emotional well-being.