MDHHS, GetSetUp celebrate six-year partnership

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is celebrating its continued partnership with GetSetUp. Since 2020, the service has reached more than half a million older Michigan residents and surpassed 2 million virtual class attendances, spanning all 83 counties. 

The collaboration continues to address some of the state’s most pressing aging challenges – including digital literacy, social isolation, economic security and equitable access to health resources – through the power of peer-to-peer virtual learning. 

“Our ongoing partnership with GetSetUp ensures that people across the state, no matter where they live, have access to learning, community and resources that support healthy, independent aging,” said Amy Epkey, interim MDHHS director. “We are proud to continue investing in programs that help older Michiganders feel supported, engaged and empowered.” 

The partnership reflects an enduring commitment to the goals of the Michigan State Plan on Aging, ensuring older adults have the tools, resources and community connections needed to age with dignity and independence. The strong attendance numbers reflect the depth of engagement across Michigan’s urban centers, suburban communities and rural regions alike. From fitness and mindfulness to fraud prevention and AI literacy, GetSetUp’s curriculum has expanded each year to meet the evolving needs of older residents. 

“Reaching over 2 million class attendances is a testament to the resilience, curiosity and spirit of older adults in Michigan. This is more than a virtual health and wellness platform; it is an essential resource for aging well,” said Lawrence Kosick, president and co-founder of GetSetUp. “We are honored to continue serving as Michigan’s digital health and wellness programming partner and to help older adults remain independent, curious, healthy and connected.”  

“I discovered GetSetUp during the pandemic and have since taken many classes on topics I wanted to learn but didn’t know where to go,” said 70-year-old Laverne of Ann Arbor. “From navigating Medicare to DIY projects to a fun decluttering class with music, GetSetUp has helped me build confidence and learn new things. I’m grateful these classes continue to be available.” 

“GetSetUp offers an impressive range of classes for seniors, especially those who didn’t grow up with computers,” said Maryellen of Beulah. “The technology sessions have been invaluable in helping me keep pace and the instructors do a wonderful job adapting to different comfort levels. It’s truly a great resource for lifelong learning.”  

GetSetUp’s sixth-year programming addresses the following topics: 

• Affordable housing and aging in place – virtual classes on budgeting, mobility and home safety empower older adults to thrive independently. 
• Health and well-bring – mindfulness, fitness and chronic disease management classes support healthier, more active lifestyles. 
• Caregiver support – sessions on dementia care, stress management and community resources provide meaningful guidance and relief. 
• Bridging the digital divide – tech tutorials and state program resources ensure older adults know how and where to get help. 
• Social inclusion – daily social sessions, from coffee chats to creative groups and interest circles, help learners build community and combat isolation. 

This coming year, MDHHS and GetSetUp will offer new culturally inclusive programming, as well as expanded offerings in AI literacy, entrepreneurship and fraud prevention to address emerging needs. 

GetSetUp partners with Area Agencies on Aging, Departments of Aging, MDHHS, Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans to offer programming to millions of older adults. Classes are taught in English, Spanish, Hindi and Mandarin.  

To learn more, visit  GetSetUp and follow the program on LinkedIn.