The 2025 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.

Join us May 15-16, 2025

In-person at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC!
Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences
Appalachian State University
1179 State Farm Road, Boone NC

Objectives

• Identify lifestyle strategies, including nutrition, physical activity, and mental health practices, that promote healthy aging and prevent age-related diseases.
• Identify strategies to avoid medications that may cause harm while optimizing the use of those that support healthy aging.
• Describe nonpharmacological strategies for managing anxiety and depression in older adults.
• Discuss the role of medications in promoting healthy aging and evaluate strategies for optimizing pharmacological treatments.
• Differentiate between general exercise recommendations and physical therapy interventions for older adults.
• Explain the role of nutrition in preventing cognitive decline.
• Describe evidence-based exercise recommendations for older adults that promote function and mobility.
• Identify key nutrients and dietary patterns that support brain health and cognitive function.
• Explain the benefits of Tai Chi in fall prevention for older adults.
• Review key factors that contribute to optimizing health and function in older adults.
• Examine the latest advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.
• Evaluate medication treatments for early Alzheimer’s Disease, including criteria for patient eligibility, potential side effects, and safety monitoring protocols to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
• Differentiate Alzheimer’s Disease from other causes of cognitive impairment.
• Determine the impact of physical activity on mitigating early cognitive decline in the aging population.
• Describe the process of deprescribing medications that may exacerbate cognitive decline in older adults.
• Identify strategies to support both patients and care partners throughout the dementia journey.
• Identify approaches to promote safe mobility for individuals with dementia.
• Explore the concept of multi-complexity in patients with cognitive decline and investigate how to prioritize what matters most to patients and their families.

Registration and Cost

Two-day Rate
$250 — Physicians
$175 — Non-Physician Health Care Professionals

One-day Rate
$150 — Physicians
$ 75 — Non-Physician Health Care Professionals

Registration includes administrative costs, technology fees, instructional materials, certificate of completion, program materials, lunch, morning and afternoon snacks both days, and Social Hour on Day 1.

Credit

• The Wake Forest University School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 11.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
• AAPA accepts certificate of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society. Physician Assistants may receive a maximum of 11.0 hours of Category 1 credit for completing this program.
• 
  ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products or clinical procedures.
• 11.0 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC.
• The CPE activity application for the 2025 Aging Well Conference is pending CDR review and approval for 11.0 CPEUs.
• This course is approved for physical therapy licensees by virtue of NCBPTE Rule 21 NCAC 48G .0108(c)(8) for 9.0 contact hours.
• Application has been submitted for approval of 11.0 Contact Hours to the North Carolina State Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators.
• 11.0 Nursing Contact Hours
  Northwest Area Health Education Center (NWAHEC) is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the North Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
  * Criteria for successful completion requires attendance for at least 90% of the activity and submission of the evaluation.
• Northwest AHEC is recognized by the North Carolina Psychology Board as an approved provider of (Category A) Continuing Education for North Carolina Licensed Psychologists. This program will provide 11.0 contact hours of (Category A) continuing education for North Carolina psychologists. No partial credit will be given.

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.

In Partnership with:

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.