The 2026 Aging Well Conference returns to App State and the Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences May 14-15 with a focus on healthy aging and the evolving needs of older adults in rural Western North Carolina. The Aging Well Conference offers a unique opportunity to showcase scholarship, connect with partners and help shape the future of aging care in the region.
"As our population ages, there is a growing need for collaboration across clinical, research and community settings to deliver care that is evidence-based, person-centered and equitable," said Dr. Adam Hege, associate dean of research and faculty development at the Beaver College of Health Sciences.
Abstracts for poster presentations are due March 16. This year's conference is organized around the 4Ms Framework of Age-Friendly Health Systems: What Matters Most (aligning care with an older adult's goals and preferences), Medication (optimizing medications and reducing harm), Mentation (addressing dementia, depression, delirium and emotional wellbeing), and Mobility (supporting safe movement to maintain independence and prevent falls).
Through keynote speakers, breakout sessions and interactive demonstrations, participants will gain practical strategies to support aging well across settings. New for 2026 are expanded topics including LGBTQ+ aging, women's intimacy and sexual wellness, behavioral health and loneliness, wearables for independence and planning for longevity—along with pre-recorded sessions to broaden access.
App State faculty and staff are encouraged to get involved by submitting posters highlighting research, implementation projects, quality improvement initiatives or case studies related to aging. Poster submissions can be made here.