Seniors share how GetSetUp classes helped with technology, Medicare and staying connected

July 5, 2026 - 22:03

Since 2020, a free virtual learning platform has quietly transformed the way older adults in Michigan navigate the digital world. GetSetUp, a service designed specifically for seniors, has now reached more than half a million older residents across the state. The program recently surpassed 2 million virtual class attendances, with participation stretching into all 83 counties.

For many seniors, the biggest hurdle was simply turning on a computer. "I was afraid I would break something," said one 78-year-old participant from Grand Rapids. After taking a beginner's course on using a tablet, she now video calls her grandchildren weekly. Others have used the classes to decode the complexities of Medicare enrollment, a topic that often leaves older adults frustrated and confused. Instructors walk through plan options step by step, answering live questions without rushing.

Beyond practical skills, the platform has become a lifeline for social connection. Loneliness among seniors spiked during the pandemic, and GetSetUp offered a way to talk to real people. "It is not just a lecture. You can raise your hand, ask a question, and see other faces," explained a retired teacher from Detroit. The classes cover everything from online banking to genealogy research, but the common thread is the sense of community. For thousands of Michigan seniors, logging into a class means logging out of isolation.