Healthy aging is so much more than just staying active or eating well. It's also having the right information, support, and resources to help you make safe choices, especially when it comes to managing pain and medications.

That message truly resonated at the 2nd Annual NJ Healthy Aging Summit on Opioid Safety & Alternatives, held June 5 in Atlantic City. It was wonderful to see hundreds of older adults, caregivers, healthcare professionals, service providers, and advocates come together to discuss an important topic. They shared insights about the often-overlooked risks that older adults can encounter when prescribed opioids and other medications, as well as alternative ways to manage pain. It was a reminder of how much we can achieve when we work together to support healthier aging.

Many older adults experience chronic pain, which can be challenging to manage. They often take multiple prescriptions, making it harder to notice potential drug interactions or changes in how their medications work over time. These are important concerns. In New Jersey, adults aged 65 and older had the highest number of suspected overdose deaths among all age groups in 2024.

That's a tough statistic, but it also highlights just how important awareness is. Prevention begins with open and honest conversations, whether it's between patients and doctors, among family members, or within our communities.

Throughout the remainder of the year, I will share lessons, resources and practical information from the Summit to help older adults, caregivers and communities make informed decisions about pain management and medication safety.

I am grateful to everyone who joined us, shared their expertise and helped make this conversation possible. Together, we can ensure that healthy aging includes safety, dignity and the opportunity for every New Jerseyan to live well.

To learn more, visit NJHealthyAging.org