New program aims to guide, strengthen seniors who are concerned about falling

Free seven-week course begins Oct. 7 at Parkview Whitley Hospital

COLUMBIA CITY, IND. - Sept. 17, 2026 - As people age into their 60s, 70s and beyond, falls can present a very real risk for significant injury - especially for those who lead more sedentary lives, have impaired strength and reflexes, or are vulnerable due to underlying medical issues.

Yet falls can be prevented, so Parkview Whitley Hospital (PWH), Parkview Trauma Centers and the Whitley County Board of Health have teamed up to offer a program proven to help seniors avoid falls by improving their balance, strength and knowledge.

Stepping On, a program originally developed in Australia and administered in the United States by the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging, focuses on the needs of adults age 60 and older who live independently and have concerns about falling. The seven-week, evidence-based program empowers participants to make healthy lifestyle changes to keep them active and independent.

"The Stepping On program is another great example of the ongoing partnership between Parkview and the Whitley County Health Department in providing practical, clinically based approaches that improve the health and well-being of residents," said Scott Gabriel, market president, Parkview Health Northwest. "We are pleased to host these classes that can make a real difference in seniors' lives."

From 2023 to 2025, the number of Whitley County residents admitted to PWH or Parkview Regional Medical Center for treatment of injuries resulting from a fall increased by 32%. As the average age of the local population continues to rise, more people are likely to be at risk - and can benefit from taking simple steps to protect themselves.

Funded by a grant through the Indiana Department of Health's Trauma and Injury Prevention Division, the Stepping On program at PWH will offer information and activities each week to educate participants on safe movement, removing tripping hazards at home, exercising regularly and other helpful topics.

Weekly classes begin on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m. - noon, and will continue through Nov. 18 in the lower-level classroom of the PWH medical office plaza.

"The goal is for participants to develop strength and balance through repetitive exercises as well as gain confidence to continue to be active even at an older age," said Jennifer Konger, Trauma Program manager, Parkview Trauma Centers. "The fear of falling and being injured can be paralyzing to the elderly population so they tend to isolate themselves due to the constant threat of falling."

Stepping On offers them a chance to be proactive about making their daily lives safer so they can move more confidently in their homes and out in the community.

"We help identify fall risks, such as loose rugs in the home and wearing inappropriate footwear," Konger continued. "We also include guest experts, such as an ophthalmologist and a pharmacist, to work with the participants to ensure that their vision is accurate and there are no conflicts between the medications they take. A Parkview Whitley physical therapist will guide the in-class exercises."

Participants should come prepared to learn, move and have fun. It is recommended that they wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing and tennis shoes. Non-strenuous exercises will make use of chairs for stability and one- or two-pound weights.

Stepping On is free to Whitley County seniors who have already fallen or are worried about falling, but space is limited. Anyone interested in participating should call the Whitley County Health Department at 260-248-3121, ext. 6, to see if they qualify based on their overall health as this program is not suitable for people with certain medical conditions. Darcy Hoopingarner, Whitley County community health nurse and board-certified family nurse practitioner, will help callers determine whether the program can be beneficial for their situation

Additional information about Stepping On can be found at https://www.steppingon.com.