Courtesy of VT Digger March 2, 2022
Vermont residents 60+ now have free access to GetSetUp’s live interactive classes taught by older adults for older adults to make digital learning, connection, and exploration a reality.
The Vermont Association of Area Agencies on Aging (V4A), serving the more than 132,000 older adults aged 60+ in Vermont, and GetSetUp, the largest and fastest-growing virtual social learning platform designed specifically for older adults, have partnered to help bridge the digital divide and combat social isolation for residents of Vermont. The partnership provides live interactive classes on GetSetUp by older adults for older adults from the comfort of their own homes.
GetSetUp’s customized platform offers an interface for older adults to learn, create, and share their wisdom safely. The platform helps to address the social determinants of health by assuring older adults stay connected to the tools they need to thrive and age in place. Older adults who learn how to utilize their tech devices to stay connected with family, attend virtual appointments, and interact with others will age more successfully. GetSetUp’s live interactive learning experiences range from everyday technical skills to enrichment-focused courses on healthy cooking, virtual travel, and more.
Through GetSetUp’s custom-built video learning interface the experience has been tailored to older adults of all tech levels. The platform offers support via phone and in all classes to assist learners with technology and includes a booking system complete with regular reminders and after-class notes. Vermont’s older adults can easily connect with a safe community of over 4.4 million peers globally. Learners can choose from a catalog of over 3,000 classes that shift weekly and are available around the clock for the next year. Classes promote digital literacy, socialization, health and wellness, and new learning experiences. Plus, classes are available in multiple languages including Spanish, Mandarin, and Hindi.
“The Vermont Association of Area Agencies on Aging is thrilled to bring this online social engagement platform to Vermont’s older adults, and at no cost to them,” said Mary Hayden, Executive Director of V4A. “As the pandemic has revealed, older adults want more opportunities to socialize, learn, and improve their health and well-being online. Our partnership with GetSetUp will provide this opportunity to Vermont’s older adults.”
“We hear learner feedback daily about how we are helping reduce social isolation, which is one of the leading causes of illness and death among older adults,” said Lawrence Kosick, President and Co-Founder of GetSetUp. “Older adults on our platform find peers that are passionate about similar topics. While learners may be alone physically at times they don’t have to be lonely thanks to all the friendships and connection opportunities we are creating on GetSetUp. No matter where you are, social learning with friends is just a click away.”
To learn more about GetSetUp and enroll in your classes, visit https://www.getsetup.io/partner/vermont
About GetSetUp
GetSetUp is on a mission to help those over 55 learn new skills, connect with others and unlock new life experiences. The social learning platform helps over 4.4 million older adults in 160 countries 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. Classes are taught by older adults on a highly interactive, custom-built video platform where older adults can connect during and in between classes. Classes are taught in English, Spanish, Hindi, and Mandarin. Learn more at https://www.getsetup.org
About Vermont Association of Area Agencies on Aging (V4A)
V4A is an association representing Vermont’s five not-for-profit Area Agencies on Aging providing a wide spectrum of services and supports for older Vermonters including those encountering a disability, to live in their homes and communities with dignity and good quality of life. Services include Meals on Wheels and Community Meals, Long-Term Care Coordination, Caregiver Programs, Medicare and Health Insurance Counseling and Education, Wellness Activities and Programs, and Information and Referrals for legal and mental health services and benefits such as housing, fuel, and 3SquaresVT. In partnership with state and federal agencies and the aging advocacy network in Vermont, V4A advocates for legislative policies and programs and healthcare service delivery systems which advance the well-being of older adults and individuals with disabilities.
