One wrong step: why fall prevention must be a public health priority

By EMILY D. TISDALE
Guest Columnist

Just one wrong step can change a life. It doesn’t take much – a bit of clutter on the floor, a misjudged step, or a slight slip in the bathtub. For older adults, a simple fall can lead to serious injury, loss of independence, and a cascade of life-changing consequences that impact not just individuals, but families and entire communities.

According to 2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in three older Hoosiers – 30.8 percent – reported experiencing a fall. Unintended falls and their resulting injuries are among the top three reasons older adults in Indiana visit emergency departments. Even more concerning, these injuries are a leading cause of long-term care admissions, significantly altering quality of life and placing emotional and financial strain on caregivers and health systems alike.

The good news? Most falls are preventable – and it’s time we start treating them that way.

At the University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community (CAC), we believe fall prevention must be proactive, not reactive. That’s why we’re bringing Stepping On – an evidence-based fall prevention program – to the greater Indianapolis area.

This work reflects UIndy’s broader commitment to age-inclusivity, recently affirmed by our designation as an Age-Friendly University. We’re proud to be part of a global network of institutions intentionally working to support older adults through education, research, and community engagement.

Stepping On is a seven-week workshop designed to empower older adults to build strength, improve balance, and reduce their fall risk through small, sustainable lifestyle changes. Led by two trained facilitators, each session covers topics such as fall risk assessments, home hazards, medication review, and balance exercises. Studies show that participants reduce their fall risk by up to 31 percent. Best of all, the program is offered free of charge to all participants.

But awareness remains one of our greatest challenges. Despite the data, the success stories, and the clear benefits of programs like Stepping On, many older adults and their caregivers simply don’t know these resources exist – or don’t realize how vital they are until it’s too late. Fall prevention doesn’t just protect physical health – it helps preserve independence, confidence, and dignity.

Thanks to a partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, we’re turning fall prevention into a public health priority. Anthem’s support goes beyond coverage – they’re helping bring evidence-based programs like Stepping On to older Hoosiers, ensuring they have the tools to reduce fall risks. This collaboration highlights Anthem’s proactive role in safeguarding the independence and quality of life of Indiana’s older adults.

A single misstep shouldn’t define the future for our older adults. With proven programs like Stepping On, we have the tools to turn prevention into action – and risk into resilience. The next seven-week workshop begins May 12, and participants must attend the first session to be part of the program. We encourage those who are eligible – or who know someone who might benefit – to take the first step toward a safer future.

To learn more about Stepping On, contact UIndy CAC Project Coordinator Becky Fee at (317) 791-5930 or feer@uindy.edu.

Emily D. Tisdale serves as the Executive Director at the University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community.