Virtual 2025 Fall and Osteoporosis Prevention Summit to Address Safety and Healthy Aging

Between 2018 and 2023, Kentucky residents aged 65 years and older experienced 53,309 inpatient hospital encounters for unintentional fall–related injuries, with 1,929 of these encounters resulting in death. These figures, documented in the Kentucky Safety and Prevention Alignment Network’s Older Adult Falls Factsheet (2018–2023), represent care encounters rather than unique individuals and highlight the significant burden fall-related injuries impose on older adults and the healthcare system, according to Roy Tapp, Coordinator of the Kentucky Safe Aging Coalition (KSAC). 

“These numbers highlight the urgent need for effective fall prevention strategies and osteoporosis awareness,” Tapp said.  

To address this ongoing public health concern, the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC), in collaboration with KSAC, the Kentucky Department for Public Health, the Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living, and Kentucky Safety and Prevention Alignment Network, is hosting the Virtual 2025 Fall and Osteoporosis Prevention Summit on Thursday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. The event is free and open to the public.  

“This year’s summit is designed for everyone—older adults, caregivers, family members and health professionals,” Tapp said. “We’ve brought in all new speakers from both inside and outside Kentucky to share fresh perspectives and practical strategies.”  

The summit will explore a wide range of topics, including medication safety, balance and mobility, fall hazard identification, emergency preparedness, and the role of nutrition in preventing and treating osteoporosis.  

“B.J. Newberry’s session on evacuation and temporary accommodations for older adults will be especially timely given Kentucky’s recent natural disasters,” Tapp said. “We’ll also hear from Dr. Matthew Smith on translating evidence-based programs like the Otago Exercise Program and A Matter of Balance into digital formats and from Dr. Laryn Knudson and Dr. Jennifer Kaiser on using data to improve clinical decision-making.”  

Other speakers include Lynn Harrelson of Senior Pharmacy Solutions; Shannon Johnson of UK HealthCare’s Universal Trauma Surgical Services; representatives from Northern Kentucky University and the Kentucky Department for Public Health; and national organizations such as walking-pole manufacturer Urban Poling and wellness provider Zing. The full agenda can be found here. 

“Participants will leave with a shared understanding of best practices, new professional connections, and clear starting points for finding additional resources,” Tapp said. “By coming together, we can better prepare to prevent falls, support bone health, and spread the word about these critical issues.”  

The summit’s virtual format is designed to be engaging and accessible. Those unable to attend live can access a free recording afterward at www.safekentucky.org.  

Registration is open until the start of the event at 10 a.m. on Sept. 25, and attendees can sign up directly through the KSPAN Older Adult Safety page. 

This summit offers continuing education credits through the Southern Kentucky Area Health Education Center: 

• Nursing (6 hours) — approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing as provider #4-0059-12-26-023 (expires Dec. 31, 2026).
• Physical therapy (5 hours) — approved by the Kentucky Physical Therapy Association.
• Social work (5 hours) — approved by the Kentucky Board of Social Work.
• Community health workers (5 hours) — approved by the Kentucky Department for Public Health. 

Kentucky Board of Nursing approval of an individual nursing education program does not constitute endorsement of program content or methodology. 

Organizers emphasize that these CE credits, paired with the summit’s expert presentations, offer valuable insights and resources for anyone invested in the safety and well-being of older adults.