ETSU students, seniors work together on Community Nutrition Initiative

On Tuesday, May 12, medical students from East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine concluded the first half of their two-semester rural community project with a presentation highlighting their research findings and proposed intervention for Johnson County. A group from the Johnson County Senior Center attended the presentation alongside students and faculty to learn more about the work completed during the spring semester. The project is part of an ongoing partnership between the Senior Center and ETSU aimed at helping future physicians better understand rural communities. After months spent meeting with community members and visiting organizations throughout the county, the students presented an idea focused on nutrition education and intergenerational connection. Their proposal, still in development, would pair Johnson County seniors with younger community members in a mentorship and coeducation program centered on food preparation, nutrition knowledge and local food resources. The students said part of their inspiration came from the Senior Center's recent cookbook project, "Seasoned with Love: Recipes that Bring Back Memories" which invited members to share family recipes and stories about growing up in rural Northeast Tennessee and experiences following Hurricane Helene. Through those stories, students saw how food can preserve memories, traditions, and community identity across generations. The proposed program would build on those themes by creating engaging lessons that teach practical cooking and nutrition skills using foods and resources available within the community. Senior Center members would help guide younger participants by sharing knowledge, experience, and encouragement. Research continues to show that meaningful relationships between generations benefit both younger and older adults. Studies have linked intergenerational interaction among seniors to improved cognitive health, stronger feelings of purpose, and lower rates of social isolation. Younger participants also benefit through improved communication skills, emotional development, and increased empathy. While the proposal is still being refined, the presentation marked an important milestone in the partnership and gave Senior Center members an opportunity to see how their involvement has helped shape the students' work so far. The ETSU medical students will return in the fall semester to continue developing the project alongside Johnson County community partners and Senior Center members. Community members interested in learning more about the Senior Center's programs and activities are encouraged to call (423) 727-8883 for more information.