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NJ Healthy Aging Summit: Emphasizing Opioid Safety and Alternatives for Seniors

The upcoming NJ Healthy Aging Summit promises to address a critical issue impacting older adults: the dangers of opioid medications and the search for safer alternatives. Taking place on September 26, 2025, at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, this summit is organized by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.

From 9:30 AM to 3 PM, healthcare professionals, community advocates, and concerned citizens will gather to discuss the pressing challenges posed by prescribed opioids. These discussions aim to educate and inform attendees about the risks associated with opioid use in the elderly population, a subject that has gained increasing prominence due to the opioid crisis affecting individuals of all ages.

Highlighting the Crisis

The summit will emphasize the staggering statistics surrounding opioid dependency in older adults. Since 2002, there has been a 300% increase in opioid overdose deaths among those aged 65 and older. Emergency room visits related to opioid misuse have also surged, with a 16% rise among seniors. Alarmingly, studies indicate that about 1 in 8 older adults are prescribed opioids annually, raising concerns about the potential for dependency and overdose.

In New Jersey, statistics paint a troubling picture. Individuals aged 55 to 64 have recorded the highest number of suspected overdose deaths during the first months of 2025, highlighting a demographic that is increasingly at risk. This summit is designed to address these urgent issues head-on.

Topics of Discussion

Attendees can expect a comprehensive agenda featuring various topics led by experts in the field. Sessions will cover:

• - The trends in opioid prescribing and their connections to dependency risks.
• - Guidelines for the safe use, storage, and disposal of prescription medications.
• - Promotion of non-opioid pain management methods as safer alternatives.
• - Accessing resources and services that can assist in mitigating the risks of opioid dependency.

The summit serves as a vital platform for fostering collaboration among healthcare providers, community leaders, and those who work directly with older adults in New Jersey. Attendees are encouraged to engage actively in discussions that not only raise awareness but also empower them to pursue safer approaches in managing pain.

Registration and Participation

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey emphasizes the significance of education as a means to combat the opioid epidemic. As Executive Director Angelo Valente states, "Supporting healthy aging in New Jersey means confronting the realities of opioid dependency among older people." This summit presents an invaluable opportunity to educate attendees and encourage informed choices regarding pain management.

To be part of this important conversation and learn about resources aimed at improving health outcomes for older adults, interested individuals can register at NJHealthyAging.org. This initiative not only aims to spread awareness but also to support those seeking safer alternatives for their health needs.

In summary, the NJ Healthy Aging Summit not only focuses on educating about opioid safety but also represents a broader commitment to supporting the health and well-being of older adults across New Jersey. With critical discussions and expert insights scheduled for September 26, this event stands as a key event in advocating for healthier aging practices in the state.