Draper-area seniors can sign up for a free seven-week program that aims to cut their risk of falling, starting Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the South Salt Lake Senior Center. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among adults 65 and older, with 1 in 4 reporting a fall each year, according to the CDC. The fall death rate among older adults climbed 21% between 2018 and 2024.

Stepping On, a CDC-endorsed workshop run by Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services, meets every Tuesday from Aug. 4 through Sept. 15, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., at 2531 S. 400 E., South Salt Lake.

The program is free for anyone 60 and older.

What's covered

Stepping On addresses four areas: balance and strength exercises, medication review, vision checks, and home modifications. Research has shown the program reduces falls by 31% in a randomized trial and up to 50% in U.S. workshop settings, according to the National Council on Aging.

Each week, a different guest expert visits the class. A physical therapist introduces balance and strength exercises in the opening session, followed in later weeks by a pharmacist reviewing medications linked to fall risk, a vision specialist, and a community safety expert. The final session focuses on planning ahead and maintaining gains independently.

The program works best for older adults who live independently and can move around without a wheelchair or indoor walker. Cane users are welcome.

Two trained facilitators lead each cohort, and participants receive a follow-up phone call or home visit after the seven weeks, plus a three-month booster session.

How to sign up

Registration is open by phone at 385-468-3340. Draper-area seniors can also find workshops through the Utah Healthy Aging program. The South Salt Lake Senior Center, managed by Laurie Tinker, is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Salt Lake County runs Stepping On as a recurring program at multiple senior centers across the valley. A previous session ran at the Riverton Senior Center from March 3 through April 14. Draper residents who cannot make the South Salt Lake location can contact the Draper Senior Center at 1148 East Pioneer Road (385-468-3330) to ask about future sessions closer to home.