Sage Advice

Samantha A. Carlson, LMSW, Older Adult Services Director

Area Agency on Aging IIIA, 311 E Alcott St., Kalamazoo Phone: 269-373-5173 www.Kalcounty.com/aaa

With the arrival of the New Year; many are hopeful for a healthier, happier 2021. The 2020 pandemic expedited the digital and technological world we live in with Zoom meetings, and Face Time instead of in-person time at the holidays. Unfortunately, for some older adults, limited knowledge of technology use increased isolation rather than diminished it. Transitioning to communication and social engagement online is an extreme change for many, and can be overwhelming and intimidating. Thanks to the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS), that does not need to be the case for 2021.

MDHHS’s Aging & Adult Services Agency (AASA) has established a partnership with a national education technology company called GetSetUp. GetSetUp is an organization dedicated to creating learning opportunities for older adults. In short, it is an opportunity for older adults to learn technology and connect socially to older adults on the internet, free of charge, thanks to grant funding through the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. The program hosts free, live, interactive programs for older adults hosted and taught by older adults. Programs include social hours such as seasonal games, holiday recipe swaps, sports, dancing to music from the 1960s-1970s and holiday events. They also host over 150 online group classes designed by older adults, and led by older adults. Topics focus on older adults teaching others how to use smartphones, video conference platforms online, use digital tablets, understand and use social media, the ins-and-outs of email, and more. This a national partnership, with Area Agencies across the country, AARP Community Resources, and the YMCA. The live, interaction classes run 10 hours a day. As of December 28th, 2020, over 18,444 older adults in Michigan participated in over 28,618 sessions in just three months!

The most popular classes to date are “Getting started with Zoom”, “iPhone Basics”, “Tips & Tricks for Taking Great Photos with your phone”, “How to Organize & Manage Digital Pictures”, “Amazon Alexa, What is it and Why you Might Want One”, “How to use Google Maps and Navigation”, “Virtual Museums & Tours”, and Using Positives Thinking to Manage Stress, Health, & Your Mood” and “Building Your First Website”. How does it work? GetSetUp is a simple, online program that involves live interaction with other older adults. Users learn activities “by doing, not watching”. This is an interactive and engaging program older adults are teaching older adults, and creating a welcoming community for generations age 60 and up. While registration is required for this programming, it is provided at no cost through MDHHS’s Aging & Adult Services Agency. In fact, they are hiring! Older adults are being hired as teachers across a variety of topics. Check out the “job-guide” for more information at https://www.getsetup.io/join-guide when visit their website.

Regardless of if it’s simply taking a fun class to meet new people, or kick-starting your New Year’s resolution to become a bit more tech savvy; this tool is an amazing opportunity for Michigan. For more information, visit https://www.getsetup.io/michigan or call 888-559-1614.

CONSUMING CONSUMING MASS QUANTITIES MASS QUANTITIES

Sheldon’s Service Garage - About 1939

Sheldon’s Service Garage was located at 2009 Portage St., just north of Alcott. Note all of the cool signs out front, including the Phillips 66 gas sign and gas pump. Southside Lumber was located just to the right of the service garage. The building is now occupied by Furr Auto Service.