Y Partners with GetSetUp to Provide Classes for Older Adults

The YMCA of Greater Houston recently partnered with GetSetUp to provide enrichment classes for older adults.

The YMCA of Greater Houston recently announced its partnership with GetSetUp, a social learning community designed for individuals over 50, with classes led by experts available around-the-clock on every topic.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the YMCA of Houston to offer their older adults an opportunity to join the GetSetUp community free of charge,” said co-founder Lawrence Kosick. “GetSetUp classes are helping to empower older adults through interactive, fun and engaging classes to teach them tech and other skills that help them connect, socialize and live healthier. Classes are designed specifically for older adults, they are taught by other older adults and kept small to ensure everyone can participate.”

The GetSetUp platform offers 350 classes on subjects such as:

• Digital communication
• Creativity
• Financial planning
• Health and wellness
• Hiring and jobs
• Social hours
• Technology

In addition, the classes are intimate and sociable in nature. Because the platform is live and interactive, participants can ask questions and stay engaged during classes. A sample of classes include:

• Understanding and Using Apple iCloud
• Introduction to Instagram
• iPhone Basics – All you Need to Know
• Email Scams and How to Recognize Them
• Morning Fitness – Balance and Flexibility

The easy-to-navigate and collaborative interface will assist older adults in leveraging technology to the fullest, while creating an impact through the acquisition of new skills and building technological independence with thousands of opportunities to make new lasting connections.

“Human connection is essential to a person’s growth, development and happiness, but it is especially important in older adults who suffer from loneliness and social isolation more than any other age group,” said Kosick. “Through peer-to-peer connection, GetSetUp not only helps older adults avoid loneliness and combat social isolation, but gives them an opportunity to learn, create and share with their peers. And by hiring older adults to teach classes, we are also able to provide economic opportunities to older adults.”

GetSetUp joins the Houston Y’s ForeverWell program, which offers a variety of opportunities for adults age 55 and better to stay active, engaged and connected with others. ForeverWell also features learning opportunities, future social events and more in efforts to help alleviate heightened social isolation.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, the YMCA of Greater Houston was the first to innovate and offer GetSetUp to help the well-being of 1.5 million Houstonians over 50,” said John Cardone, the executive vice president of brand experience at the Houston Y, in a statement. “As early adopters, we are consistently identifying means and partnerships so we can provide solutions for individuals who depend on the YMCA the most. The partnership with GetSetUp is an example of our most recent commitment to individuals over 50 who might be suffering from loneliness, depression and sadness as we enter the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as those looking for new experiences to revitalize their lives and engage with others.”

For state and local governments, health plans, care providers, employers and membership organizations, like the Y, who want to learn more about helping older adults stay active, engaged and reimagine themselves, contact GetSetUp directly.