IU Health’s fall prevention program for seniors returns

IU Health is once again offering the Stepping On fall prevention program this summer, giving seniors a free opportunity to build confidence, strength and skills to remain safely independent at home.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury among adults age 65 and older. Each year, more than 14 million older adults—roughly one in four—report falling. Of those, about 37% experience an injury serious enough to require medical treatment or limit their activity.

The Stepping On program is a free, seven-week workshop designed to address these risks. Endorsed by the CDC, the program has been proven to decrease falls by 31%.

Classes are led by a health professional and a peer leader and focus on helping participants reduce fall risk at home and in the community. Topics include balance and strength exercises, safe footwear selection and education on how vision and medications can impact fall risk.

The Stepping On program will be offered weekly for two hours over seven consecutive weeks at multiple IU Health locations.

Beginning July 28, classes will be held Tuesdays at IU Health Frankfort from 10 a.m. – noon and at IU Health White Memorial Hospital from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Beginning July 29, classes will be held Wednesdays at IU Health Arnett from 10 a.m. – noon.

To register, call IU Health Arnett trauma outreach coordinator Teresa Williams, BSN, RN, at 765.412.2640.