Older New Yorkers can now take free skill advancement classes thanks to the extension of a program that was first created to combat social isolation during the pandemic.
The program is called GetSetUp and offers older residents a chance to diversify their skills and unlock new life experiences. The New York State Office for the AgingandAssociation on Aging in New Yorkhave expanded its partnership with GetSetUp to continue offering online classes for older adult communities throughout the state.
So far, more than 122,000 residents have enrolled in 169,000 classes within the first year of the program. Greg Olsen, director for the Office for the Aging, said all classes are taught by older adults with backgrounds in education or other professional expertise.
"The social and mental health benefits are reciprocal for users and instructors alike,” Olsen said.
GetSetUp now offers classes in Spanish.
