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2026 Aging Well Conference

Event Start/Stop Date and Time

May 14, 2026 8:30 AM - May 15, 2026 5:00 PM EDT

Check-in Date and Time

Location

Appalachian State University
1179 State Farm Road, ASU Box 32170
Boone, NC, 28608

Target Audience

This conference is intended for physicians, advanced practice providers (APPs), speech-language pathologists, nursing and mental health professionals, allied health and public health professionals, social workers, nursing home administrators, registered dietitians, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals interested in the health of older adults. Community members, caregivers, and older adults are also welcome to attend.

Event Description

The 2026 Aging Well Conference is focused on promoting healthy aging for older adults. As our population ages, it is essential for health professionals to meet the evolving needs of this demographic. This activity emphasizes advancing the knowledge and skills of healthcare providers in rural western North Carolina, particularly in geriatric care, and addressing the unique healthcare needs of older adults. Central to this year’s conference is the 4Ms Framework of Age-Friendly Health Systems: What Matters Most – Aligning care with each older adult’s health goals and preferences. Medication – Ensuring medications do not interfere with what matters most and minimizing harm. Mentation – Preventing, identifying, and managing dementia, depression, and delirium. Mobility – Supporting safe movement to maintain independence and reduce fall risk. Through a blend of individual and group presentations and interactive demonstrations, the conference brings together diverse perspectives from healthcare experts, researchers, government officials, social service providers, as well as older adults and family caregivers. This collaborative approach ensures participants gain practical strategies to deliver age-friendly, person-centered care. Check out our conference website to see the agenda and more details! Please note that the 2026 Aging Well Conference has a separate registration for community members who DO NOT wish to claim any type of credit for their continuing professional development. Click Here for Community Member Registration ONLY (NO CREDIT) Click here for available lodging options.

Objectives

  1. Describe how the 4Ms framework (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, Mobility) can be applied to align care with older adults’ priorities.
  2. Identify strategies to provide inclusive, affirming care for LGBTQ+ older adults.
  3. Explain the role of deprescribing in reducing medication-related harm in older adults.
  4. Discuss evidence-based approaches to support brain health and reduce cognitive decline risk.
  5. Apply interventions that improve strength and balance to prevent falls in aging populations.
  6. Describe approaches to address sexual wellness and intimacy concerns in aging women.
  7. Identify strategies to manage polypharmacy while optimizing pain control and adherence.
  8. Explain interventions that reduce loneliness and promote emotional well-being in older adults.
  9. Demonstrate how yoga and gentle movement can enhance mobility and overall wellness.
  10. Summarize methods for incorporating personal priorities into holistic aging care plans.
  11. Explain emerging approaches to support cognitive and emotional health in older adults.
  12. Identify strategies for planning and decision-making to support long-term well-being.
  13. Describe best practices for managing complex medication regimens in older adults.
  14. Discuss interventions to address depression and anxiety while fostering meaning in later life.
  15. Apply adaptive exercise techniques to enhance cognitive and physical health in aging populations.
  16. Explain approaches for facilitating advanced care planning and family discussions.
  17. Summarize new pharmacologic therapies for Alzheimer’s and chronic disease management.
  18. Describe the role of interdisciplinary teams in optimizing cognitive health care.
  19. Explain how wearable technology can support mobility and independence in older adults
  20. Discuss future innovations in geriatric care to promote healthy aging.

Session Credits

Credit will be awarded based on participant selection at time of registration. Before selecting credits, participants are encouraged to review our Credit Glossary (opens in new tab) for general information. Please note that not all credit types are available for every program.

Presenter(s)

Session Details

BOTH DAYS: 2026 Aging Well Conference

May 14, 2026 8:30 AM - May 15, 2026 4:00 PM EDT

Check-in: May 14, 2026 8:30 AM EDT

Available Credits:

  • • 10 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™ Hours

    Accreditation: The Wake Forest University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Credit: The Wake Forest University School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 10 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

    The Wake Forest University School of Medicine designates this in-person for a maximum of 10 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • • 10 Contact (category A) CE for NC Psychologists Hours

    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 10.0 contact hours of (Category A) continuing education for North Carolina psychologists. No partial credit will be given.

  • • 10 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC

    10.0 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC.

  • • 10 CPEUs Hours

    The CPE activity application for the 2026 Aging Well Conference is pending CDR review and approval for 10.0 CPEUs.

  • • 10 NHA Hours

    Application has been submitted for approval of 10.0 Contact Hours with the North Carolina State Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators.

  • • 10 CHES - CECH Hours

    Application for CHES® (entry-level) / MCHES® (advanced-level) Category I continuing education contact hours (CECH) has been made to the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC).

  • • 10 NCBPTE Contact Hours

    This course is approved for physical therapy licensees by virtue of NCBPTE Rule 21 NCAC 48G .0108(c)(8) for 10.0 contact hours.

  • • 10 Nursing Contact Hours

    10.0 Nursing Contact Hours. Northwest Area Health Education Center (NW AHEC) 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.

  • • 10 CME for Physician Assistants Hours

    AAPA accepts certificate of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society. Physician Assistants may receive a maximum of 10.0 hours of Category 1 credit for completing this program.

Session Fees:

  • $250.00 - Registration Fee - Physicians
  • $175.00 - Registration Fee - Non-Physician Health Care Professionals

DAY 1 ONLY: 2026 Aging Well Conference

May 14, 2026 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM EDT

Check-in: May 14, 2026 8:30 AM EDT

Available Credits:

  • • 5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™ Hours

    Accreditation: The Wake Forest University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Credit: The Wake Forest University School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 5.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

    The Wake Forest University School of Medicine designates this in-person for a maximum of 5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • • 5 Contact (category A) CE for NC Psychologists Hours

    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 5.0 contact hours of (Category A) continuing education for North Carolina psychologists. No partial credit will be given.

  • • 5 CPEUs Hours

    The CPE activity application for the 2026 Aging Well Conference is pending CDR review and approval for 5.0 CPEUs.

  • • 5 NHA Hours

    Application has been submitted for approval of 5.0 Contact Hours with the North Carolina State Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators.

  • • 5 CHES - CECH Hours

    Application for CHES® (entry-level) / MCHES® (advanced-level) Category I continuing education contact hours (CECH) has been made to the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC).

  • • 5 NCBPTE Contact Hours

    This course is approved for physical therapy licensees by virtue of NCBPTE Rule 21 NCAC 48G .0108(c)(8) for 5.0 contact hours.

  • • 5 Nursing Contact Hours

    5.0 Nursing Contact Hours. Northwest Area Health Education Center (NW AHEC) 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.

  • • 5 CME for Physician Assistants Hours

    AAPA accepts certificate of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society. Physician Assistants may receive a maximum of 5.0 hours of Category 1 credit for completing this program.

Session Fees:

  • $150.00 - Registration Fee - Physicians
  • $75.00 - Registration Fee - Non-Physician Health Care Professionals

DAY 2 ONLY: 2026 Aging Well Conference

May 15, 2026 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM EDT

Check-in: May 15, 2026 8:00 AM EDT

Available Credits:

  • • 5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™ Hours

    Accreditation: The Wake Forest University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Credit: The Wake Forest University School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 5 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

    The Wake Forest University School of Medicine designates this in-person for a maximum of 5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • • 5 Contact (category A) CE for NC Psychologists Hours

    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 5.0 contact hours of (Category A) continuing education for North Carolina psychologists. No partial credit will be given.

  • • 5 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC

    5.0 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC.

  • • 5 CPEUs Hours

    The CPE activity application for the 2026 Aging Well Conference is pending CDR review and approval for 5.0 CPEUs.

  • • 5 NHA Hours

    Application has been submitted for approval of 5.0 Contact Hours with the North Carolina State Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators.

  • • 5 CHES - CECH Hours

    Application for CHES® (entry-level) / MCHES® (advanced-level) Category I continuing education contact hours (CECH) has been made to the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC).

  • • 5 NCBPTE Contact Hours

    This course is approved for physical therapy licensees by virtue of NCBPTE Rule 21 NCAC 48G .0108(c)(8) for 5.0 contact hours.

  • • 5 Nursing Contact Hours

    5.0 Nursing Contact Hours. Northwest Area Health Education Center (NW AHEC) 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.

  • • 5 CME for Physician Assistants Hours

    AAPA accepts certificate of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society. Physician Assistants may receive a maximum of 5.0 hours of Category 1 credit for completing this program.

Session Fees:

  • $150.00 - Registration Fee - Physicians
  • $75.00 - Registration - Non-Physician Health Care Professionals

Contact Person

Gail Pawlik

Email: gail.pawlik@advocatehealth.org

Sponsorship Statement

Appalachian State University, 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.

Program Information and Policies

For complete program policies and registration information, please visit our CPD Program page (opens in new tab).