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MDHHS renews its partnership to continue providing GetSetUp virtual classes to empower older adults across Michigan

By The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and GetSetUp, an online learning and discovery platform designed specifically for older adults, has expanded its partnership for the third year in a row to combat social isolation and to keep older adults mentally, physically and socially active by providing Michigan residents age 50 and older an additional 500,000 free virtual classes across a range of topics.

MDHHS began partnering with GetSetUp in October 2020 to engage older residents through classes on various topics, and the overall number of classes attended since 2020 recently exceeded 1 million for the state. Programming may be accessed anywhere via smartphones, tablets or computers. For those seeking to learn more about how to use devices to access the resources, GetSetUp offers a selection of classes on topics about how to use smartphones and tablets, as well as how to use popular software programs and apps.

“By making programs like GetSetUp available for all residents at no cost, we are making meaningful progress in helping them live happy, healthy and engaged lives,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “The classes have had a positive impact on hundreds of residents who now have valuable resources to combat social isolation and access new knowledge, significantly improving their quality of life.”

GetSetUp has helped reduced isolation and loneliness by making its services available to the 2.4 million older adults in Michigan:

  • 108,000 older adults used GetSetUp in the first year.
  • There are nearly 268,000 users as of June 30, 2023.
  • Individuals have participated in over 3,400 virtual classes and discussions on topics like healthy aging, fitness, photography, technology and mental health.

Michigan residents over age 50 can access the easy-to-use GetSetUp learning platform and participate free of charge in friendly, peer-led classes. Plus, they can join classes to learn about health, wellness and fitness, explore hobbies and much more.

“Our ongoing partnership with Michigan demonstrates the transformational impact that can be achieved when organizations come together to address social challenges with accessible, tech-enabled solutions,” said Lawrence Kosick, president and co-founder of GetSetUp.”This is just the beginning, and GetSetUp eagerly looks forward to our new Veterans classes developed with MDHHS to empower an even broader range of older Michigan residents in the years ahead.”

Learn more about GetSetUp’s partnership with MDHHS by exploring classes that help empower older adults to learn, connect and thrive at Getsetup.io/partner/Michigan.

About GetSetUp 

GetSetUp is an online community of older adults who want to learn, connect with others and unlock new life experiences. GetSetUp partners with entities such as state and local government agencies, health providers and community organizations to offer live programming taught by peers who are experts in their field, social hours hosted by community members and special events with speakers who directly address areas of interest to older adults. Classes are taught in English, Spanish, Hindi and Mandarin by older adults on a highly interactive, custom-built video platform where participants can connect during and in between classes. With a mission to combat social isolation and empower older adults to learn, connect and thrive, GetSetUp provides accessible and engaging educational experiences that enrich the lives of individuals across the United States. The company’s investors are specialists in the education and AgeTech sectors, including Primetime Partners, ReThink Education and Cowboy Ventures. To learn more, visit Getsetup.io.

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