Sleep is one of the foundational pillars of our overall health and wellness. Not getting enough can leave you sleep deprived and can result in downstream negative health consequences. Sleep hygiene, sleep strategies, sleep aids, and sleep medications can help get us back on the path to rest and recovery through sleeping well.

Healthy aging — and finding ways to age well — is the focus of the first Appalachian State University Aging Well Conference, to be held May 16 and 17 at the Levine Hall of Health Sciences in Boone. The event is sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. 

The 2024 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.

As our population ages, addressing fall risks among the elderly becomes increasingly crucial for maintaining their well-being. Falls are a prevalent concern among older adults, leading to severe consequences such as injuries, hospitalizations, and decreased quality of life. Recent studies have shed light on the correlation between fall incidents and health status among the elderly, as well as the effectiveness of wearable technology in detecting and preventing such events.

Despite advancements in technology, preventing falls entirely remains a challenge. However, wearable devices equipped with fall detection capabilities offer a proactive approach to mitigate risks. By alerting caregivers or emergency services immediately after a real fall occurs, these devices facilitate prompt medical intervention, potentially reducing injury severity and improving outcomes for the elderly population.

Not all wearables are finding success, however as comfort, privacy, practicality, and user experience affect usage rates.

Listen to this episode of Healthcare Insights in Northwest North Carolina with special guest, Richard Hirsh, Chief Marketing Officer for UnaliWear, a wearables tech company and producer of the Kanega watch for fall prevention.

Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed that May is Older Americans Month which is wonderful as we have our Geriatric Conference coming up! There is still time to register.

What will North Carolina's population look like in coming years? NC ranks ninth nationally in population aged 65 and older and has undergone significant demographic changes in the 21st century. Assessing and understanding the demographic changes and their implications will be critical in addressing age-related issues, catalyzing change, and preparing for the future of North Carolina.

Join us for this conference in May! Registration is open and all agenda details posted.

Participate live via WebEx on May 5th, 8:30am - 3:30pm