A conference in Atlantic City on September 26 will focus on healthy aging and the challenges posed by prescribed opioids and dependency among older adults. The “NJ Healthy Aging Summit: Opioid Safety & Alternatives” aims to educate healthcare professionals, community leaders, and advocates on the risks of prescription opioids and explore alternative pain management strategies. Holly Geyer, MD, from the Mayo Clinic, will deliver the keynote address, while fitness expert Shebah Carfagna will offer wellness tips.
Angelo Valente, Executive Director of Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, emphasized the importance of addressing opioid dependency in older populations to promote healthy aging. Statistics show a significant rise in opioid overdose deaths and emergency visits among seniors, with New Jersey adults aged 55-64 experiencing the highest number of suspected overdose deaths in early 2025.
The summit will cover topics such as opioid prescribing, addiction risks, medication safety, and promoting safer pain management alternatives. Breakfast is sponsored by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and registration is available at NJHealthyAging.org.
