Embracing Creativity and Connection: Laura’s Story with GetSetUp

Laura, a vibrant retiree from northern New Jersey, has always been a tireless learner. Her journey with GetSetUp began during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to the New Jersey Division for the Aging's partnership with GetSetUp that allows New Jersey's older adults to have access to GetSetUp classes free of charge.

"At the beginning of COVID, an exercise class popped up on my AOL homepage. I took the class and thought, 'Wow, all these classes!' I signed up, and, lo and behold, I got it for free with the New Jersey Division on Aging program. I was very pleased."

Rekindling Artistic Passions

Laura was immediately impressed by the variety of classes offered on GetSetUp. She dived into as many as possible, filling her days with new knowledge and skills.

"I love the live classes because you get to interact at the end of the class. Seeing others' artwork is inspiring, and it makes you want to do more." Laura, a self-described jack of all trades, finds joy in exploring new topics.

"This morning, I took a class on Warli Indian art, which I had never been exposed to before. I found it fascinating and something new. Something new and fascinating is what I continue to find on GetSetUp."

Before discovering GetSetUp, Laura had never dabbled in art. Guide Deana and Guide Pam's art classes ignited her creative journey.

"I never did art before, and the Zentangle enthusiasts started me on my art journey. If you could see what I draw now! Even my family is so impressed by my drawings."

Laura finds great solace and meditation in her art. She believes mental engagement, both through learning and with the community, is one of the most powerful health impacts for her.

"Deana’s right when she says art is meditative. It helps you forget everything going on and any aches and pains, and it helps you get through moments you need to get through."

The flexibility of GetSetUp's classes suits Laura's lifestyle perfectly.

"I love Twyla’s 20-minute yoga classes. Those are perfect for when you have a free 20 or 40 minutes, you can just do it."

Even in the middle of the night, Laura finds comfort in GetSetUp.

"Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night at 4 AM and can’t get back to sleep. Knowing I can come to GetSetUp and find something to learn comforts me greatly. I think in many ways it has replaced TV for me."

Expanding Tech Skills and Staying Secure

Prior to retiring, Laura worked in IT and considers herself a techie. Even though she is well-versed in technology, she is always learning something new with GetSetUp.

"I consider myself a techie, and I take the classes on GetSetUp and I always learn something new. The Guides for the tech classes, like Wade, Lee, and Marjorie, are fantastic. They talk to you in a way you can understand using language that is easy to relate to, which is great!”

Through classes, Laura learned how to use an iPhone despite not having one.

“My husband has an iPhone, and he doesn't know how to use it. Now, thanks to these classes, I can help out with it.”

Thanks to GetSetUp classes, she helps provide tech support to her husband since he hasn’t taken the classes yet—making her the tech expert at home. She has also enjoyed learning more about scams to help keep up to date on the latest alerts, which she follows locally through the police and senior center.

“I learned about AI and ChatGPT, too. In the beginning, it was confusing what people would do with it, and now I understand it better. The classes helped me understand how these tools are being implemented and where.”

In addition to learning new tech skills, she has also learned how to bake bread, something she had never tried before attending a GetSetUp class. The class inspired her to bake bread. She enjoys how the instructors offer clear, engaging instructions and often curate other resources that help make it easier for her to navigate as she learns the information.

Building a Community

The interactive nature of GetSetUp’s live classes has helped Laura stay connected with others. She often recognizes familiar faces in different classes.

"It’s funny because in Zentangle, I’ve joined a Facebook group, and sometimes I say, 'Is that you?' It’s always fun in a Zoom class, seeing the same people, and you learn who is picking up their grandson or a bit of their routines."

Laura also appreciates the guest speakers and their insights, which add another layer of learning and inspiration to her experience.

"The guest speakers are fascinating. Seeing other professional artists’ work and understanding their methods is nice."

Laura has also been impressed by the responsive support team at GetSetUp.

"The response from the support is fantastic, almost immediate. I can’t believe how good the support team is to address any issues I have."

She values the convenience and accessibility of classes, especially those that cater to her physical limitations.

"I have problems with my knee, so I can’t do high-impact classes. Tai Chi, chair yoga, and low-impact classes are great, and I always take them."

For Laura, GetSetUp has been more than just a learning platform; it has become a vital part of her life, replacing TV and providing a healthier alternative.

"I was happy to find GetSetUp because my husband and I started to watch MeTV to avoid the news during the pandemic. GetSetUp replaced the TV for me with something positive. I really appreciate you guys being there."

Laura’s enthusiasm for GetSetUp is contagious. She often shares her positive experiences with friends and local senior centers, encouraging others to join.

"I always post about GetSetUp at our local senior center. It’s a wonderful opportunity for anyone who wants to try it."

Recently, a friend asked her how she keeps her sanity with everything that is going on in the world.

She replied, “I go to GetSetUp to learn in a welcoming community of peers!”

Through GetSetUp, she continues to explore new passions, stay connected, and live a fulfilling, enriched retirement.