October 28, 2024

Frederica’s GetSetUp Journey: New Skills and New Connections with the California Department of Aging

Frederica’s GetSetUp Journey: New Skills and New Connections with the California Department of Aging
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Frederica, a Sacramento resident who retired in 2018 after years working for the state of California, first heard about GetSetUp during a church meeting. 

“They were talking about a free laptop through the Department of Aging,” she explained. “I called to get the laptop, and GetSetUp came with it.” 

Through the partnership with the California Department of Aging, Frederica received a Chromebook and was onboarded with GetSetUp support and classes. These have been her gateway to an array of virtual activities designed to keep her engaged, informed, and active.

GetSetUp Device Onboarding and Virtual Learning

Since Frederica first received the email, sharing with her about support opportunities and helping her learn how to use her Chromebook and GetSetUp has become an essential part of her daily routine. 

“GetSetUp taught me how to use the Chromebook and where to find things on it. Now, I use GetSetUp most of all on my Chromebook. I’m on there most of the time,” she said. 

From learning technology skills to exploring cooking techniques, GetSetUp has allowed Frederica to pursue a range of interests. 

“I’ve learned quite a bit—how to operate my iPhone, about scams and traveling, facebook market place, how to restrict people who see your facebook post, cooking in the insta pot, exercises for people with arthritis, starting a business, even budgeting and meditation,” she said. 

She especially enjoyed using her new skills to install the Wanderlog travel app on her phone and to organize her apps by grouping them for easier access.

“Before, I thought they’d get deleted if I moved them!” she admitted with a laugh.

One of the key features of GetSetUp that Frederica appreciates is its flexibility. 

“Some days I see I’ve overbooked myself with multiple GetSetUp classes at the same time, but I learned that I can go in earlier than the time with the on-demand classes and take them when it’s more convenient for me,” she said. 

This has been especially useful when her energy levels vary or her schedule changes. Being able to revisit past classes, review notes, and watch on-demand sessions makes it easy for her to learn at her own pace. 

“I like the fact that I can click on my name and go back to all my classes with the notes and refresh myself. It’s great that the notes are always there, and I hope it never goes away.”

Frederica’s favorite class topics include cooking, technology, and even fitness

“I’ve done financial budgeting, meditation, and dance classes like ‘The Hustle’ with Shirley,” she said. “I also did a class on using the Instapot, and I want to take that one again!” 

Improving Her Health and Wellness

She’s passionate about healthy living and is gradually transitioning to a mostly plant-based diet, with the occasional serving of salmon. 

“I’m taking my time, trying to stay on the right track. I’ve already lost 10 pounds, and I’m working to lose more.”

Health and wellness have been major class benefits and focuses for Frederica. After experiencing arthritis in her hips, she started doing chair exercises and weights with GetSetUp. 

“These classes have been helping with my arthritis—they get me moving in the morning, and then I go to the gym in the afternoon,” she explained. 

The convenience of participating in these classes from her own home has made it easier for her to stay active. Technology classes have also been incredibly valuable to Frederica, who is always eager to expand her skills.

“I learned about Facebook—how to see the global world, how to put a group of people together, and how to send group messages,” she said. 

She also learned how to help her sister start a home business selling vintage clothing.

“I told her about the classes and how to take pictures, do inventory, and use Facebook for advertising,” she explained. “She hasn’t gotten started yet, but she’s working on it.”

She values the ability to ask questions during class and appreciates the immediate responses she receives. “I like typing in my questions and getting answers back.”

Overall, Frederica believes that GetSetUp is an incredible resource that more people should know about. 

“It’s a great program and tool…everyone should be on GetSetUp—it’s really good, especially for exercise and the social aspect, which I hadn’t thought about before,” she said. “For those who can’t get out, that’s great.”

Thanks to the California Department of Aging, Frederica received a Chromebook and gained access to a world of learning, community, and growth. 

“GetSetUp has really helped me stay active, learn new things, and connect with others,” she concluded. 

For Frederica, retirement is no longer just about rest—it’s about rediscovery, health, and lifelong learning.