Interoception For The Older Adult

Course overview

Interoception, a key indicator of how we feel, can be broadly defined as the sensations arising from signals originating within the body. As such, interoception is critical for our sense of embodiment, motivation, and well-being. Despite its importance, interoception remains poorly understood within modern science. Interoceptive sensitivity has been found to be associated with affect and cognition. As a person ages, the processes by which one senses, interprets, integrates, and regulates signals from within oneself change. This presentation will overview Interoception, the perception and interpretation of internal body signals, such as heartbeat, hunger, and respiratory rate, and present evidence-based findings as to how this "sixth sense" impacts illness or health. Interoception serves as our internal barometer, guiding our responses to the environment based on our body's needs and physiologic state. This course is designed for an interprofessional audience.