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.