Transform Your Life at Any Age: GetSetUp for New York Older Adults

At 83 years old, Iris understands what truly matters in life. A passionate volunteer and lifelong learner who lives in Brooklyn with her husband, Iris has experienced firsthand how GetSetUp is revolutionizing the way older adults in New York stay active and engaged.

"The greatest benefit of GetSetUp is that it is extraordinarily convenient. It’s there when you need it and want it. I don't have to make calls and arrange to meet someone. It's my schedule, not someone else's."

Iris discovered GetSetUp during the pandemic and hasn't looked back. Today, she's not only a devoted member but also an advocate for the program, sharing its benefits with everyone she meets across New York, including Good Neighbors of Park Slope, where she volunteers with an organization that serves over 850 members aged 55 and older.

Five Key Benefits of GetSetUp for New York Older Adults

1. Access Classes Whenever You Want

‍One of the most transformative aspects of GetSetUp is its flexibility. Unlike traditional in-person classes with set schedules, GetSetUp offers on-demand content that fits your lifestyle.

"Online classes are so helpful because you can access them whenever you want, and there's always a class to watch. The instructors are excellent: they've been doing this for a long time."

This flexibility is particularly valuable for seniors managing multiple commitments or health conditions. Iris explains that the variety of class lengths, from 20 minutes to full hour-long sessions, means you're never locked into someone else's schedule.

2. Peer-to-Peer Learning Makes It Accessible

What sets GetSetUp apart from generic online fitness platforms is its emphasis on peer community and expert instruction specifically designed for older adults.

"Peer-to-peer learning is really helpful, and that's what makes it accessible."

This community-driven approach means older adults aren't just watching instructors on a screen; they're part of a larger network of people navigating similar life stages, challenges, and goals.

3. Expert Knowledge You Can Trust

GetSetUp Guides bring decades of experience and professional expertise. This matters more than many realize, especially when dealing with mobility challenges, previous injuries, or age-related concerns.

"The people are experts and skillful. It's not like they learned it yesterday. They have the knowledge base and are quick to offer alternative ways of doing the same things."

Whether you're in chair yoga, tai chi, or creative classes like embroidery, the instructors understand how to modify movements and offer options for different skill levels.

4. Unexpected Skills and Lifelong Learning Opportunities

GetSetUp goes far beyond fitness. The platform offers classes in art, crafts, technology, and creative pursuits, helping older adults continue learning and growing at any age.

"I couldn't remember how to do the stitches for embroidery, so I looked to see if there were classes on embroidery and sewing. Much to my surprise, there are people out there, and GetSetUp has a class on them by an expert. It's not just the usual class sessions; some of the unusual things are on GetSetUp too."

Iris has taken collage classes, embroidery courses, and technology sessions. She even uses AI tools like Helen within GetSetUp to ask questions and get quick answers about everything from iPhone features to finding specific fitness classes.

5. Adapted Fitness That Works With Your Body

For older adults who've experienced health challenges, whether knee replacements, arthritis,  bouts with cancer, or other medical conditions, GetSetUp provides realistic, adaptable fitness options that honor where your body is right now.

"With my knee replacements and other medical things and bouts of cancer, I didn't expect to ever do chair yoga. But that's a new skill I learned. And I learned tai chi too: that's what I could do at that time. The good thing about chair classes is that you can do it, and it makes you feel you can do something and feel better where you are."

Iris's Journey: From Discovery to Advocacy

What impressed Iris most about GetSetUp was the quality and consistency of instruction. She mentions instructors like "Yoga with Twyla," who she praises for making complex movements easy to follow. But beyond the specific classes, it was the ecosystem of support and learning that changed her perspective on aging.

"Your age makes a difference. I hate to admit it, but there's a reality you have to face. The good thing about chair classes is that you can do them, and it makes you feel you can do something."

Rather than feeling limited by her age, Iris has embraced GetSetUp as a tool for continued growth and wellness. She's learned new skills, maintained strength through adapted fitness, and discovered creative outlets she'd thought were behind her.

Today, Iris is spreading the word about GetSetUp throughout Brooklyn and New York. She's shared the program with colleagues and enthusiastically tells friends and family about its benefits.

How New York Older Adults Can Access GetSetUp

One of the most important things to know: if you're a resident of New York age 55 or older, you may have access to GetSetUp through the New York State Office for the Aging. This partnership makes GetSetUp available at no cost to older New York residents and accessible to them throughout New York State.

What Makes GetSetUp Different From Other Online Platforms?

Iris has tried other options. She's explored YouTube tutorials and considered other online platforms. But GetSetUp stands out for several reasons:

• Senior-Specific Design: Classes are built specifically for older adults, not generic fitness content
• Expert Instructors: Guides have extensive experience working with seniors and managing modifications
• Community Focus: It's not transactional, it's about building connections with peers
• AI Support: Ask Helen AI questions to find classes, troubleshoot tech, or get quick answers
• Accessibility: Better quality and depth than free platforms like YouTube
• Variety: Goes beyond fitness to include creative arts, technology, wellness, and lifelong learning

GetSetUp fills a unique niche: it provides expert-led, adaptable programming that reaches older adults at home and around their schedule.

"I don't think enough people know about GetSetUp. It could be promoted more widely to seniors. More people should know it exists."

That's exactly why organizations like the New York State Office for the Aging are making it available to eligible seniors. The program recognizes that convenience, expert instruction, and flexible scheduling aren't luxuries; they're essential components of healthy aging.

As Iris says, the greatest benefit is convenience. But the real magic? Discovering that you're never too old to learn something new, stay active, and feel part of a vibrant community.