Falls can make everyday activities harder, especially as we get older. And managing conditions like arthritis or diabetes can bring challenges of its own.
If you’re 60 or older and live in Kansas, there are programs that may help you stay active, improve your balance and learn ways to manage your health.
Kansas offers falls prevention and healthy aging classes through its Area Agencies on Aging and state health programs. Options include tai chi, walking programs, balance training and chronic disease workshops.
Here’s what’s available and how to find a class near you.
What Classes Are Available?
The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) supports evidence-based health promotion programs for older adults.
These programs use approaches supported by research to help people improve their health and well-being.
According to the KDADS Health Promotion page, programs offered in Kansas include:
- Falls prevention: Stepping On, A Matter of Balance, and Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention.
- Exercise and movement: Walk with Ease, EnhanceFitness, and the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program.
- Chronic disease management: Chronic Disease Self-Management Education and the Diabetes Prevention Program.
- Medication safety: HomeMeds.
These classes focus on practical skills, including physical activity, balance, managing chronic conditions and making everyday activities safer.
Not every class is available in every community. Programs and schedules vary, so contact your local Area Agency on Aging to find out what’s currently offered.
What Is Stepping On?
Stepping On is a falls prevention workshop designed for adults age 60 and older who have fallen or are worried about falling.
The program includes seven sessions, each lasting two hours, led by trained instructors in a supportive group setting.
According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s 2026 Stepping On flyer, participants learn:
- Exercises and techniques to improve strength and balance.
- Ways to reduce fall risks at home and in the community.
- Information about bone health.
- Medication safety tips.
- Strategies to stay active and move more confidently.
The goal is to help older adults recognize fall risks and learn practical ways to reduce them.
Who Can Join Stepping On?
The workshop is designed for people who:
- Are 60 years old or older.
- Have fallen within the past year or are concerned about falling.
- Can move independently, with or without a cane or walker.
Workshops are offered at different times and locations throughout Kansas.
Check the official Stepping On flyer for program details and information about finding a class.
Who Can Join Other Healthy Aging Classes?
Kansas’ Title III-D Health Promotion Program focuses on helping adults age 60 and older maintain healthy lifestyles.
Priority is given to older adults who live in medically underserved communities or have the greatest social and economic needs.
However, individual programs may have their own participation requirements.
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help you determine which classes are appropriate and available in your area.
How Do You Find a Class?
Kansas has 11 Area Agencies on Aging that connect older adults with community services and health promotion programs.
To find a class:
- Visit the KDADS Health Promotion page to review available programs.
- Find your local agency through the Kansas Area Agencies on Aging directory.
- Ask about upcoming falls prevention, exercise or chronic disease management classes.
- Confirm the schedule, eligibility requirements and any participation costs before registering.
You can also contact the Kansas Aging and Disability Resource Center for help finding local services.
For Stepping On specifically, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Healthy Aging Program can help you find information about upcoming workshops.
Are the classes free?
The state sources don’t confirm that every class is free. Ask your local agency whether there are fees or other costs before signing up.
Relief Recap
Kansas offers several healthy aging programs that may help adults 60 and older improve their balance, stay physically active and learn ways to manage chronic health conditions.
Options include Stepping On, tai chi, walking programs and other evidence-based workshops.
Stepping On is especially designed for older adults who have experienced a fall or worry about falling. Its seven sessions teach practical strategies to help reduce fall risks.
Classes vary by location, so the best place to start is the KDADS Health Promotion page or your local Area Agency on Aging.
Even learning a few new ways to move safely and manage your health may make everyday activities feel more manageable.
