Aging Well Conference
The 2025 Aging Well Conference is focused on healthy aging for the older adult.
The two day conference will address the unique healthcare needs of older adults and will advance the knowledge and skills of healthcare providers, caregivers, and community members in rural western North Carolina. With a blend of individual and group presentations, panel discussions, and demonstrations, the conference 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
- 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.
- Understand 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
Community Members and Students – Registration closed
Standard registration through May 1, 2025 11:59pm $25
Scholarship assistance is available for older adults and caregivers who may need financial support. If you or someone you know could benefit from this assistance, please reach out to ZGreen@hccog.org or call 828-265-5434 ext. 122 for more information.
Participants wishing to receive continuing education credits
Visit the Northwest AHEC conference site
Registration includes administrative costs, technology fees, instructional materials, program materials, lunch, morning and afternoon snacks both days, and Social Hour on Day 1.
Who Should Attend?
Community members, caregivers, and aging individuals. In addition, healthcare professionals including, 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 are welcome.
As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, the Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness (AIHW) 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.
Co-provided by:
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.
Faculty
- Hal Atkinson, MD
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Wake Forest University School of Medicine - Danielle Baker, PharmD, MS, BCPS
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist - Sia Beasley, PhD
Appalachian State University - Kathryn Callahan, MD, MS
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Wake Forest University School of Medicine - Maryjo Cleveland, MD
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Wake Forest University School of Medicine - Molly Hinely, PharmD
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist - Rebecca Kappus, PhD
Appalachian State University - Andrea Lockard, MS, RDN, LDN
Appalachian State University - Kim McCullough, PhD, CCC/SLP
Appalachian State University - Heather McKay, PhD, OTR/L
Appalachian State University - Jared Skinner, PhD
Appalachian State University - Hannah Stewart, DO
UNC Health - Cynthia Lorena Aguirre Valdivieso, MD
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Wake Forest University School of Medicine - Diana Williams, DNP, MSN, FNP-C, IFMCP
Strategic Wellness Center - Emma Williams, PharmD, BCGP, CPP
Mountain Area Health Education Center / UNC Eschelman School of Pharmacy - Mariana Wingood, PhD, PT, DPT, MPH
Wake Forest University School of Medicine - Jenny Womack, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Appalachian State University
Agenda
Thursday, May 15 — Healthy Aging and Prevention
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 8:30 AM | Check in / Coffee / Networking (Atrium) |
| 9:00 AM | Welcome, Conference Overview, Housekeeping and Announcements – Gavin Colquitt, EdD (Room 103) |
| 9:15 AM | Healthy Aging and Prevention in Appalachia – Hannah Stewart, DO (Room 103) |
| 10:15 AM |
Breakout Session 1 Topics:
|
| 11:30 AM | Networking Lunch (Provided in the Atrium) |
| 12:30 PM |
Breakout Sessions 2 Topics:
|
| 2:00 PM |
Breakout Sessions 3 Topics:
|
| 3:30 PM | What Matters Most: Optimizing Health and Function as We Age – Kate Callahan, MD, MS (Room 103) |
| 4:30 PM | Adjourn |
| 4:30 – 6:30 PM |
Social Hour (drinks and appetizers) Attendees can engage with presenters and each other (Atrium) |
Friday, May 16 — Management Across the Cognitive Impairment Continuum; Management of Cognitive & Physical Decline; or Comprehensive Care for Cognitive Changes
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 8:30 AM | Check in / Coffee / Networking (Atrium) |
| 9:00 AM | Welcome – Gavin Colquitt, EdD (Room 103) |
| 9:15 AM | Alzheimer’s Disease in 2025: Major Updates in Diagnosis and Treatment – Maryjo Cleveland, MD (Room 103) |
| 10:15 AM |
Breakout Session 1: Early Deficits Consideration Topics:
|
| 11:30 AM | Networking Lunch (Provided in the Atrium) |
| 12:30 PM |
Breakout Sessions 2: Later Stages of Care Topics:
|
| 2:00 PM | Multi-Complexity and What Matters Most in Patients with Cognitive Decline – Hal Atkinson, MD (Room 103) |
| 3:15 PM | Adjourn |