The State Office for the Aging has partnered with the Association on Aging in New York and GetSetUp to offer 50,000 courses comprising over 300 different course options developed by and for seniors.

The GetSetUp program and community are designed to combat social isolation and promote independence through live interactive lessons and online connectivity with a community of over 650,000 learners aged from over 160 countries across the world. Additionally, all guides and instructors are retired educators / professionals / technologists, promoting economic empowerment, healthy lifestyles and goal-oriented living. Instructors are trained to help seniors learn by doing, not just watching, and all learners are encouraged to become creators by leading their own interest groups.

The GetSetUp classes are organized into four broad categories:

¯ Digital Divide / Connectivity (zoom orientation and how to use various devices)

¯ Physical health (i.e. Tai Chi / Yoga / Healthy cooking)

Mental health (i.e. Dementia / Coping with stress / Meditation), and

¯ Social health (i.e. Book club / Gardening / Pets / Travel / Puzzle games)

The GetSetUp platform offers more than 40 lessons every day of the week and more than 10 lessons every weekend. He recently launched “GetSetUp TV” for older people who are hesitant to get a glimpse of the GetSetUp platform without having to fully participate in it. Classes rotate regularly to offer the widest variety of programs for seniors in the four main categories.

Technological solutions have grown considerably over the past year and platforms such as GetSetUp will be part of the new standard. Connecting seniors to an online forum of their peers promotes engagement, lifelong learning, and even access to employment opportunities outside of the traditional brick-and-mortar approach.

“I think this is a game changer, especially for older people living in rural parts of the state,” said Dr Maryann Spanos, of the Chautauqua County Office for the Commissioner of Aging. “Our main challenges in participating in the programs are the lack of transportation and broadband computer access. The GetSetUp platform alleviates these problems and gives rural seniors access to programs previously only available in large city centers. Lifelong learning has so many benefits besides reducing social isolation, it’s the key to a healthy body, a healthy brain, and greater fulfillment in life.

For more information, visit chqgov.com/office-aging/Office-for-the-Aging.