The Aging Well Conference is focused on healthy aging for the older adult. It is important for health professionals to meet the needs of our aging society.
This activity focuses on advancing the knowledge and skills of healthcare providers in rural western North Carolina, particularly in geriatric care, addressing the unique healthcare needs of older adults. With a blend of individual and group presentations, panel discussions, and demonstrations, the activity brings together diverse perspectives of healthcare experts, researchers, government officials, social service providers, as well as older adults and family caregivers.
We look forward to 2026! Until then check out this recap from 2025 Aging Well Conference
2025 Aging Well: Empowering Communities, Transforming Care
On May 15–16, nearly 200 healthcare professionals, advocates, and caregivers gathered at Appalachian State University for the 2025 Aging Well Conference—a two-day event dedicated to improving the quality of care for older adults. Now in its second year, this interprofessional and collaborative conference was hosted by Northwest AHEC and the Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness.
This year’s event featured expert-led sessions covering a wide range of critical topics, including healthy aging strategies, cognitive health, dementia care, medication optimization, mobility and fall prevention, and patient-centered decision-making. Breakout workshops allowed for deeper discussion and hands-on learning, while also fostering networking across disciplines.
An interprofessional lineup of speakers created a dynamic learning environment where attendees could share insights, discuss real-world challenges, and explore innovative approaches to aging care. The timing of the conference aligned perfectly with Older Americans Month, making it all the more meaningful as we celebrated and empowered the older adults in our communities.
We’re grateful to everyone who joined us to learn, connect, and grow. The feedback we received was incredibly encouraging:
“This is one of the greatest conferences I have ever attended and I can’t wait to attend next year!”
“After attending last year, I knew I needed to bring my friends. My friends came with me this year and it has been so great. We can’t wait to come again next year!”
Mark your calendars—Aging Well 2026 is already in the works! Stay tuned for details as we continue to grow this powerful event focused on healthy aging and collaborative care.
Who Should Attend?
Physicians, APPs, speech language pathologists, nursing professionals, mental health professionals, allied health and public health professionals, social work, psychologists, nursing home administrators, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapists, registered dietitians, and all other health care professionals interested in the health of older adults. In addition to healthcare professionals, community members, caregivers, and aging individuals are welcome.As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, the Northwest AHEC provides compassionate education and respectful care for all, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, geography, disability and age.
In Partnership with:
Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness, BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina and Northwest Area Health Education Center (AHEC), a program of Wake Forest University School of Medicine and part of the NC AHEC System and The UNC Center for Aging and Health, Carolina Geriatric Education Center.
For More Information or Assistance
- If you have questions about registering for this activity, please contact Gail Pawlik at 336-713-7761 or email gpawlik@wakehealth.edu. If you need auxiliary aids or special services to attend this activity please contact Gail Pawlik at least five working days prior to the activity.
