Case Study: 1 year empowering older adults in Michigan

What is GetSetUp?

GetSetUp helps those over 55 learn new skills, connect with others and unlock new life experiences. It is the largest social learning platform helping older adults stay mentally and physically fit, creates economic opportunities through jobs and reskilling, and provides a community where people find meaning and purpose by sharing their knowledge and passions and forming new connections.

The Challenge

Michigan has over 2.4 million adults aged 60+(24% of MI). About 41% of these older adults are living alone. This Michigan population is expected to peak in 2034 at 2.9 million with the 85+ population being the fastest-growing age group.  Michigan wants to connect this population who are spread across diverse geography, face many weather challenges, and often register as the highest in the state in social isolation. The pandemic accelerated the need for a solution.

The Solution

• GetSetUp’s platform, built specifically for older adults
• Older adults empower and teach their peers
• Around-the-clock live interactive classes.
• Michiganders can always join a class.

Outreach Efforts

Outreach includes TV ads, mail-out pamphlets, and continual press. Plus ongoing discussions with key groups in order to form key partnerships for awareness.

Partnership Goals

• Help older adults overcome fears and reluctance to learn tech
• Provide socialization opportunities
• Reduce loneliness and isolation
• Provide a sense of purpose through learning
• Mood improvement and often improved mental health
• Increase in self-worth and perceptions through a virtual community
• Fun learning opportunities on a variety of diverse topics
• Connect with others to create and share
• Up-skill and re-skill for new job opportunities
• Help enhance older adults' small businesses
• Physical health benefits for those attending  exercise and health-focused classes
• Opportunities for increased healthy habits thanks to lectures, insights, and classes to improve cooking and learn to live with illnesses

What's Next

Considering the success of the first-year MDHHS renewed the partnership for another year with added funding from the Michigan Libraries. Together we continue to explore new ways to reach the older adult community, including how to help with more hybrid sessions for novice learners and the state is working with other partners to assure device and internet access.