(Stock photo by Pixels)

LANSING — June is National Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is doing its part to help aging Michiganders improve their brain health.

MDHHS and online video platform GetSetUp are teaming up to offer free brain health classes throughout the month of June.

GetSetUp is a mission-driven education technology company dedicated to creating economic and learning opportunities for older adults. Through a partnership with the MDHHS Aging and Adult Services Agency, it provides free virtual learning and social engagement opportunities for Michiganders ages 60 and over.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, regular physical exercise may be a beneficial strategy to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. Exercise may directly benefit brain cells by increasing blood and oxygen flow in the brain. Additionally, studies say that maintaining strong social connections and keeping mentally active as people age might lower the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s.

Dr. Alexis Travis is the senior deputy director for the MDHHS Public Health Administration. Previously, she served as the senior deputy director of the Aging and Adult Services Agency.

“Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form, is an emerging public health crisis,” she said in a news release. “An estimated 190,000 Michiganders age 65 and over are living with Alzheimer’s disease.

“That number is expected to grow to 220,000 by 2025. Brain health is a crucial component of healthy aging and we are pleased to offer these and over 150 classes on the GetSetUp platform to older Michiganders at no cost.”

Types of classes GetSetUp is offering include:

≤ Class Series: Our Minds Matter … Embrace Mental Health!

≤ Yoga for Beginners

≤ Get Moving by Line Dancing (the Hustle)

≤ Get Moving with QiGong

≤ Ageless Grace: Exercises for the Body and Mind

≤ Social hours and interest groups on a range of topics, including a social hour on brain fitness and Dementia Caregivers Unite

“We have designed GetSetUp online classes and events to provide the physical, mental and social activities that are so critical to healthy living as we work toward a day when we can all age-in-place,” said GetSet Up co-founder Lawrence Kosick in the release. “And starting in June, we’re excited to be able to offer even more programming to support brain health and education around dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. With over 80,000 of Michiganders over age 60 already benefiting through our partnership with MDHHS, we’re excited to be able to expand our content in the areas that are most needed and support even more older adults in Michigan.”

Michiganders age 60 and over may enroll in any session free of charge by visiting getsetup.io/michigan and using the code MICHIGANHEALTH or by calling 888-559-1614.

For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, visit the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or contact them at 800-272-3900.

Ryan Spitza can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248. His email address is rspitza@miningjournal.net.